Baked Papaya Recipe

A deliciously simple yet elegant dessert recipe adapted from the New York Times Cookbook. This baked papaya recipe features sweet caramelized brown sugar, fragrant vanilla bean, and tender baked papaya. Perfect as a light dessert or a unique side dish!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 236.5 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 4.5 (10 Reviews)
Baked Papaya 124

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baked Papaya

  • 2 ripe papayas
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 teaspoons packed light brown sugar

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How to Make Baked Papaya

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel two ripe papayas, halve them lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.
  3. Place the papaya halves, cut-side up, in a large baking dish. Pour in enough water to reach about 1/2 inch in depth.
  4. In the center of each papaya half, place 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons of packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 of a vanilla bean (about 1 inch), split lengthwise to release the seeds.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the papayas are tender and the brown sugar has formed a delicious caramel. The exact time will depend on the ripeness of your papayas and your oven.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

157g

Fat

13g

Carbs

17g

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