If you’re surrounded by a cluster of ripe bananas in your kitchen, wondering what to do with them, you’re in luck! These yellow wonders can be transformed into an array of scrumptious treats, from sweet indulgences to savory masterpieces. As one of the most versatile and affordable fruits out there, ripe bananas are ideal for baking, cooking, blending, and even freezing. With their natural sweetness, they’re a perfect addition to cakes, muffins, bread, and smoothies – a classic combination that’s hard to beat. But bananas can also shine in more unexpected roles, such as adding depth to curries, stews, and pancakes. In this post, we’ve curated an impressive collection of 35 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the incredible potential of ripe bananas. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these easy-to-follow recipes will ensure that your ripe bananas don’t go to waste.
35 Recipes to Make with Ripe Bananas
Banana Bread
A timeless favorite, banana bread offers an ingenious solution to the age-old problem of overripe bananas. Not only does this sweet treat provide a creative outlet for ripe fruit, but it’s also remarkably simple to prepare and can be tailored to suit individual tastes. To take things to the next level, feel free to introduce nuts, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of cinnamon to inject an extra layer of depth and complexity into your loaf.
Banana Pancakes
Indulge in the quintessential breakfast experience with a stack of fluffy pancakes. Elevate the classic recipe by incorporating mashed bananas into your pancake batter, infusing each bite with an added layer of rich flavor. Complete the morning treat with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly satisfying start to the day.
Banana Smoothie
Savoring the benefits of incorporating more fruit and vegetables into your daily routine is easily achieved through the humble smoothie. A clever way to augment your nutrient intake, blending together ripe bananas, almond milk, and a generous serving of spinach yields a delectable breakfast or snack option that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
Banana Oatmeal
Elevate your morning routine by incorporating a unique twist into your oatmeal. The natural sweetness of mashed bananas provides a delightful contrast to the warm, comforting porridge. Consider adding a crunchy texture with chopped nuts or a touch of golden warmth from drizzled honey for a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast experience.
Banana Ice Cream
Transforming everyday ingredients into decadent treats is an art form that’s accessible to everyone! Take, for instance, the humble banana – when frozen and blended to perfection, it becomes a creamy canvas just begging to be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like chocolate chips or something more adventurous like nuts, the possibilities are endless. With this simple trick, you can create a unique and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Banana Pudding
Forget the convenience of store-bought pudding mixes – creating your own banana pudding at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding! With just a few simple ingredients like overripe bananas, whole milk, granulated sugar, and cornstarch, you can whip up a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s sure to impress. Take it to the next level by topping with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Baked Banana Chips
Ditch the pre-packaged snacks and get creative with your snacking game by making banana chips at home. The process is as simple as it gets – simply slice ripe bananas into thin strips, then pop them in the oven until they reach a crispy perfection. Not only do these homemade chips make for a satisfying snack on their own, but they’re also perfect additions to trail mix or yogurt parfaits. You’ll never look at store-bought snacks the same way again!
Chocolate Banana Bread
Elevate your banana bread game by incorporating the rich flavors of cocoa powder and indulgent chunks of chocolate chips. This innovative twist is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Banana Muffins
Considering that slicing bread can be a tedious task, why not opt for something more enjoyable and nutritious? Banana muffins are an excellent alternative, providing a convenient and satisfying option for a speedy morning meal or mid-day pick-me-up. Not only do they save you time, but they also offer a delicious and healthy way to start your day.
Banana French Toast
Kick-start your day with a delightful twist on the classic French toast recipe! Simply incorporate mashed bananas into your batter for an added layer of natural sweetness. To take it to the next level, complement your dish with a drizzle of pure honey or rich syrup, and indulge in a filling breakfast that’s sure to satisfy.
Banana Crepes
Indulge your loved ones with the ultimate surprise – a batch of freshly made crepes, stuffed to perfection with sliced bananas and rich Nutella. This decadent brunch is sure to leave everyone craving more.
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
For fans of the timeless PB&J sandwich, this creamy smoothie is sure to be a treat. Imagine the familiar flavors of ripe bananas, rich peanut butter, and sweet honey, blended seamlessly with cold milk to create a satisfying breakfast that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
Banana Pecan Waffles
The allure of waffles is undeniable – they have the power to unite even the most discerning palates. By incorporating mashed bananas and crunchy chopped pecans, you can elevate this classic breakfast or brunch option into a truly delectable experience that’s sure to impress.
Banana Bread Pudding
Transform leftover banana bread into a scrumptious dessert by repurposing it as a rich pudding. To do so, combine milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl, then gently pour the mixture over cubed bread. Place the dish in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and caramelized. Once done, finish with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an added layer of indulgence.
Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of a decadent cake that’s surprisingly easy to make. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce melds beautifully with melted chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing with friends. With only one bowl to clean, this recipe is a stress-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth in just under an hour. Simply preheat your oven and get ready to bake a moist and indulgent cake!
Banana Foster
Indulge in the quintessential charm of New Orleans’ culinary heritage by experiencing the city’s iconic dessert, replete with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. To prepare this delectable treat, cook sliced bananas in a mixture of brown sugar and butter until they’re tender and caramelized, then ignite them with a splash of rum for an added depth of flavor. Serve warm alongside a generous helping of creamy vanilla ice cream to round out the experience.
Banana Chia Seed Pudding
The buzz around chia seeds is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why they’ve become a staple in many health-conscious diets. Not only do they boast an impressive protein and fiber content, but when combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creaminess of almond milk, they form a snack or breakfast option that’s not only nutritious but also indulgently delicious.
Banana Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Elevate the humble cinnamon roll to new heights by incorporating two unexpected ingredients – mashed bananas and chopped pecans. This indulgent combination makes for an ideal weekend brunch option that’s sure to impress.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
The allure of a warm, chewy cookie is undeniable, especially when enhanced by the creamy texture of mashed bananas and the richness of chocolate chips. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying after-school snack or a indulgent late-night treat, these scrumptious cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Banana Bars
Delightful banana bars are crafted with the perfect blend of mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and other baking essentials. Characterized by their moist, cake-like texture, these treats typically take shape in a loaf pan. Whether savored plain or elevated with rich frosting, decadent chocolate chips, or crunchy nuts, every bite is a flavorful celebration!
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors and textures with these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins. The sweetness of ripe bananas provides a natural foundation, while peanut butter swirls bring a creamy richness and chocolate chips deliver bursts of indulgent pleasure. With this timeless combination, you can effortlessly satisfy your cravings for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat at any time.
Banana Nut Pancakes
Elevate your morning routine with an indulgent twist on classic pancakes. Mashing ripe bananas and incorporating crunchy chopped nuts into the batter adds natural sweetness, texture, and a burst of flavor to each fluffy, golden-brown stack.
Banana Chocolate Muffins
Indulge your sweet tooth by blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavors of cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, resulting in decadent and indulgent muffins perfect for starting your day or satisfying your afternoon cravings.
Banana Coconut Smoothie
Imagine the sweet, creamy essence of ripe bananas blending seamlessly with the rich flavor of coconut milk and the satisfying crunch of shredded coconut. This tropical trifecta creates a velvety-smooth concoction that whisks you away to a sun-kissed isle, where worries melt away with each sip.
Banana Popsicles
Transform ripe bananas into a revitalizing snack by freezing them onto popsicle sticks. This effortless treat is an ideal solution to beat the heat during a sweltering summer day.
Banana and Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Elevate your French toast game by incorporating a decadent twist: layering sliced bananas and Nutella between two slices of bread, then coating with an egg-based batter and cooking to crispy perfection.
Banana S’mores
Elevate the traditional campfire experience by incorporating sliced bananas into the classic s’mores trifecta of graham crackers, rich chocolate, and fluffy marshmallows. The resulting combination offers an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
Banana and Blueberry Pancake Skewers
Combine the whimsy of a fruit kebab with the satisfaction of a homemade breakfast by threading mini pancakes, ripe banana slices, and plump blueberries onto wooden skewers. This clever assembly yields a visually appealing and easily transportable morning meal that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Banana and Almond Butter Toast
Indulge in the simplicity of combining creamy almond butter with fresh banana slices, spread on toasted bread to create a satisfying and wholesome morning meal or afternoon pick-me-up.
Banana Cream Pie
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of a classic banana cream pie by layering sliced bananas within a flaky pastry crust, complemented by a rich and velvety banana-flavored filling, and finishing it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Banana Cinnamon Oat Bars
For a tasty and healthy treat on-the-go, blend together mashed bananas with the wholesome goodness of oats and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. The result is a batch of scrumptious bars perfect for satisfying your cravings whenever they strike.
Banana Tiramisu
Transform the traditional Italian dessert into an extraordinary creation by alternating layers of tender banana slices with espresso-infused ladyfingers and decadent mascarpone cheese. This indulgent treat combines the sweetness of bananas, the depth of coffee, and the creaminess of mascarpone for a truly unforgettable experience.
Banana Coconut Pancakes
Infuse your morning routine with the sweet and tangy flavors of the tropics by incorporating shredded coconut into your banana pancake mixture. The result is a delightful combination that will transport you to a sunny beachside getaway, if only for a brief moment.
Banana Raspberry Smoothie Bowl
Combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of frozen raspberries and the creaminess of yogurt to create a velvety-smooth blend that’s as refreshing as it is filling. Pour the mixture into a bowl, then top it off with a crunchy granola and a medley of fresh fruits – the perfect treat for a warm day or a post-workout pick-me-up.
Banana and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Transform your ripe bananas into a scrumptious dessert by layering banana slices and pineapple rings at the base of a cake pan. Pour in your favorite cake batter, then bake until golden and caramelized. The result is a sweet and fruity masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any craving. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be thrilled to know there are countless ways to repurpose those overripe bananas into something truly special. With 35 mouthwatering recipes at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless!