Bananas are often regarded as a snack or an added sweetness in smoothies or oatmeal bowls. However, their versatility extends far beyond these common uses. When cooked, bananas can be transformed into a wide range of mouthwatering dishes that cater to various tastes and cravings. From a nutritious breakfast option to a rich dessert or a distinctive side dish, the humble banana is a culinary chameleon. With over 35 delectable recipes waiting to be explored, this blog delves into the world of cooked bananas, showcasing their adaptability and inviting readers to join in on the flavorful journey.
35 Easy Cooked Bananas Recipes
Banana Fritters
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these delectable fritters, sure to captivate any gathering. The simplicity of combining mashed ripe bananas with a blend of flour and eggs yields a treat that’s not only crispy but also delightfully flavorful. A few quick minutes in the fryer, and you’ll be rewarded with golden brown morsels that are impossible to resist.
Caramelized Bananas
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of caramelized bananas, an irresistible topping for pancakes, crepes, and waffles alike. To create this scrumptious delight, simply slice ripe bananas into thin rounds, then sauté them in a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar until they’re tender and golden. The result is a sumptuous treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Baked Banana Chips
In search for a guilt-free snacking option, many turn to baked banana chips as a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips. The process is surprisingly straightforward: simply slice ripe bananas into thin rounds, dust them with a pinch of warm cinnamon, and allow the natural sweetness to caramelize in the oven. As the aroma wafts through the air, you’ll be rewarded with crispy, flavorful chips that satisfy your cravings without compromising on health.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
A nutritious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, these cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and dark chocolate chips.
Banana Bread
One of the most iconic uses for overripe bananas is undoubtedly in the form of a warm, comforting loaf of banana bread. This sweet treat can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it an excellent accompaniment to a morning cup of coffee or a relaxing evening tea. The traditional recipe calls for the ripest of bananas, mashed to perfection and combined with flour, sugar, and eggs to create a moist and flavorful loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Indulge in a sweet breakfast twist by crafting fluffy pancakes that blend the flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate. To create this decadent treat, prepare two separate pancake batters: one infused with mashed banana and another with cocoa powder or melted chocolate. Then, stack the layers, allowing the sweetness of the banana to mingle with the deepness of the chocolate.
Banana Pudding
The quintessential dessert combines the richness of custard, the lightness of whipped cream, the sweetness of bananas, and the crunch of cookies to create a luscious pudding that’s perfect for sipping from glasses or using as a decadent pie filling.
Grilled Banana Splits
Indulge in the sweet delight of grilled banana splits, a refreshing twist on the classic dessert that’s sure to be a hit at your next summer barbecue party. The process is surprisingly simple: cut ripe bananas in half, place them on the grill, and allow the caramelized sweetness to meld with your favorite toppings like creamy ice cream, crunchy nuts, and fluffy whipped cream.
Banana and Peanut Butter Granola Bars
When looking for a quick, nutritious snack that’s easy to grab and go, consider whipping up a batch of homemade granola bars using ripe bananas, wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and a drizzle of sweet honey.
Banana Crepes
Indulge in the simplicity of thin, delicate pancakes bursting with sweet and savory flavors. When paired with ripe bananas and melted cheese, these crepes become an irresistible weekend brunch or dessert option.
Banana and Egg Pancakes
Indulge in a delightful pancake experience with this scrumptious five-ingredient recipe, featuring mashed bananas, eggs, and a warm hint of cinnamon. This wholesome treat yields tender, fluffy pancakes that are not only a pleasure to eat but also packed with nutritious goodness.
Banana and Nutella Quesadillas
Innovating upon the traditional quesadilla concept, this unique fusion brings together the natural sweetness of banana slices and the rich flavors of Nutella, all nestled within a warm and inviting tortilla.
Banana French Toast
Indulge in a creative spin on traditional French toast by incorporating sweet, ripe bananas into the mix. Not only will this breakfast treat delight your taste buds, but it also provides an added boost of flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely weekend morning.
Grilled Banana Sandwich
The simplicity of thinly sliced bananas paired with buttery bread and a drizzle of honey takes an unexpected turn, elevating this humble snack into something truly special. For an added layer of complexity – and flavor – try grilling the sandwich for a delightful twist.
Banana Cinnamon Rollups
For a sweet and satisfying treat that’s ready in a flash, look no further than this indulgent snack. Simply combine soft tortillas with mashed bananas, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with a pinch of warmth from cinnamon, and top it all off with a rich and creamy dollop of nut butter.
Banana and Blueberry Muffins
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of these scrumptious muffins, ideal for kick-starting your day or satisfying a mid-morning craving. The recipe combines the earthy richness of whole wheat flour with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, plump blueberries, and a hint of maple syrup’s distinct flavor, resulting in a delightful treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Banana Cream Pie
Indulge in the rich flavors of a decadent dessert, featuring a velvety banana pudding filling infused with natural sweetness and a plush whipped cream topping that adds a luxurious touch.
Banana Bread Pudding
Indulge in the warm, fuzzy feeling of a satisfying treat by repurposing leftover banana bread into a creamy, dreamy dessert. A harmonious blend of moist bread, rich milk, eggs, and aromatic spices creates a delightful concoction that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Kickstart your day with a nutritious and satisfying smoothie that doubles as a convenient breakfast option. Combine the natural sweetness of frozen banana with the creaminess of milk, the tanginess of Greek yogurt, and the added boost of protein powder and nutrient-dense chia seeds to create a filling and wholesome beverage.
Banana and Zucchini Muffins
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of these scrumptious muffins, specifically crafted to seamlessly integrate a vegetable into your morning meal. The recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the subtle texture of grated zucchini, and the nutty essence of almond flour, creating a delightful breakfast option that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Baked Bananas with Cinnamon Sugar
Indulge in the simplicity of a delicious dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. The combination of caramelized bananas, warm spices, and creamy whipped cream is a match made in heaven. To create this sweet treat, simply slice ripe bananas, mix with a hint of cinnamon sugar, and bake until golden brown. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect comfort dessert.
Banana and Oatmeal Pancakes
Indulge in warm, comforting pancakes that blend the natural sweetness of mashed bananas with the earthy goodness of oats and a subtle hint of warmth from cinnamon. A delightful breakfast treat that’s sure to start your day off right.
Banana and Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa
Kick-start your day with a nutritious breakfast that combines the benefits of quinoa with the sweetness of fruit. Try cooking quinoa with a blend of mashed bananas, blueberries, and a hint of honey for a protein-rich meal that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime.
Banana and Walnut Oatmeal
Transform your morning oatmeal experience by incorporating two simple yet impactful additions – sliced bananas and toasted walnuts. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs seamlessly with the earthy crunch of the walnuts, elevating the overall taste and texture of your breakfast bowl.
Banana and Coconut Rice Pudding
Transform your rice pudding into a creamy and indulgent treat by incorporating the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of coconut milk. The combination is nothing short of magical, creating a tropical getaway in every spoonful.
Banana and Chocolate Stuffed French Toast
Transform the humble French toast into a decadent treat by layering it with sliced bananas and rich chocolate. Next, douse it in a velvety egg batter and cook it to a golden crisp, where the sweetness of the fruit and the depth of the chocolate meld together in perfect harmony.
Banana and Cinnamon Breakfast Burrito
Indulge in a simple yet satisfying breakfast by wrapping sliced bananas in a tortilla, accompanied by a pinch of warmth from cinnamon and a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt.
Banana and Almond Butter Overnight Oats
Kick-start your day with a wholesome breakfast that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Simply combine the goodness of mashed bananas, creamy almond butter, hearty oats, and refreshing milk in one bowl. The magic happens when you refrigerate the mixture overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. The result is a satisfying and filling breakfast that will keep you going all morning.
Banana and Pineapple Breakfast Smoothie
Combine the sweetness of frozen bananas with the tanginess of pineapple chunks, the creaminess of Greek yogurt, and the richness of coconut milk to craft a revitalizing and exotic morning smoothie that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Banana and Raspberry Breakfast Parfait
Start your day off right with a nutritious and delicious breakfast parfait. Layering Greek yogurt with the natural sweetness of mashed bananas, the tartness of fresh raspberries, and the crunchy texture of granola creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Banana and Mango Breakfast Wrap
In just a few minutes, you can create a delicious and nutritious breakfast by wrapping sliced bananas and diced mango in a tortilla, then drizzling the resulting bundle with a spoonful of warm honey. The combination of natural sweetness from the fruit and subtle stickiness from the honey makes for a satisfying start to your day.
Banana and Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Transform your beloved French toast recipe into a delectable brunch casserole by incorporating sliced bananas and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon, creating a sweet and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Banana and Almond Pancake Bites
Indulge in the convenience of a guilt-free morning treat by whipping up a batch of bite-sized pancakes infused with the natural sweetness of mashed bananas and the nutty goodness of almond flour. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack or a satisfying on-the-go breakfast, these wholesome morsels are sure to hit the spot.
Banana and Peanut Butter Overnight Chia Pudding
Transform your dessert routine with a nutritious pudding that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Simply combine the natural sweetness of mashed bananas with the wholesome goodness of chia seeds, the richness of peanut butter, and the creaminess of almond milk. Allow this harmonious blend to set overnight, and you’ll wake up to a healthy treat that will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
Banana and Strawberry Breakfast Pizza
Take a cue from the world of flatbreads and create a breakfast masterpiece by topping whole-grain goodness with mashed bananas, creamy Greek yogurt, sweet fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of golden honey. The combination is nothing short of genius. And speaking of genius, cooked bananas are a game-changer in the kitchen. They bring a delightful textural element to any dish, while their natural sweetness elevates flavors to new heights. From indulgent desserts and satisfying snacks to innovative breakfasts and unexpected side dishes, bananas are an ingredient that’s often underutilized but bursting with potential. We’ve gathered 35 mouthwatering banana recipes for you to try, each one a testament to the humble fruit’s versatility. So go ahead, get creative, and let the sweet magic of cooked bananas inspire your next culinary adventure.