When it comes to quick and easy snacks, bananas are a top choice for many. But did you know that this humble fruit can also be used in a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes? From sweet treats like cookies and muffins to savory dishes like salads and smoothies, bananas bring a boost of potassium, vitamins, and minerals to every meal. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering banana recipes that will satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option or a satisfying snack to fuel your day, these banana-packed dishes are sure to please. From classic combinations like peanut butter and honey to more unexpected pairings like avocado and spinach, there’s something on this list for every taste bud and dietary need.
Stay tuned for our top 18 banana recipes that will inspire you to get creative with this versatile fruit!
Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat that’s packed with nutritious ingredients. These Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter)
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix with sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add peanut butter, egg, and honey. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in oats and any optional add-ins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Healthy Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s packed with potassium-rich bananas and whole-grain goodness! These Healthy Banana Pancakes are a game-changer for a quick and easy morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Gradually add almond milk, stirring until smooth batter forms.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping when bubbles appear on surface.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious treat that combines the natural sweetness of banana with the decadence of chocolate. This smoothie bowl is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or whipped cream
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine bananas, cocoa powder, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding ice cubes if desired to achieve the perfect consistency.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with your preferred toppings.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of honey to your taste.
– Get creative with your toppings – try different combinations or add some fresh fruit!
Banana Chia Pudding
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast treat that’s packed with fiber and protein. This banana chia pudding recipe is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and unsweetened almond milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
2. Add sliced bananas, honey or maple syrup (if using), and salt to the bowl. Mix well until combined.
3. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the pudding to thicken.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – overnight
Baked Banana Chips
Transform ordinary bananas into crispy, sweet, and addictive snacks with this simple recipe. Perfect for a healthy treat or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe bananas
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional)
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the bananas into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. If using, drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon powder over the banana slices.
4. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each chip.
5. Spray the chips lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
6. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the bananas are dry and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Banana Almond Butter Toast
Start your day with a deliciously simple and satisfying breakfast that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of almond butter on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 2 tbsp almond butter
– 2 slices whole grain bread (such as whole wheat or baguette)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: honey, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread 1-2 tsp of almond butter on each slice of toast.
3. Top with sliced bananas, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
5. Add optional toppings if desired (honey, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Banana Yogurt Parfait
A delicious and healthy treat that combines sweet bananas, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the sliced bananas.
2. Top with the Greek yogurt, spreading evenly to cover the bananas.
3. Sprinkle the granola over the yogurt.
4. If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Healthy Banana Bread
This moist and delicious banana bread recipe is a great way to use up ripe bananas and reduce food waste. With the addition of wholesome ingredients like oats and honey, this treat is not only tasty but also nutritious.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, flour, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Add honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Serve: Let cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Banana Protein Muffins
Get your daily dose of protein and satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious banana muffins. Made with mashed bananas, whey protein powder, and a hint of cinnamon, these moist and flavorful treats are perfect for a post-workout snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas
– 1 scoop whey protein powder (30g)
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, almond flour, and protein powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Ice Cream with Almonds
Experience the simplicity of homemade ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker! This recipe combines ripe bananas, creamy texture, and a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and freeze them for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, heavy cream, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to chill and set.
4. Just before serving, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Serve the banana ice cream chilled, topped with toasted almonds.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (chilling time)
Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bowl featuring quinoa, ripe bananas, and crunchy almonds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cooked quinoa and sliced bananas.
2. Spread almond butter on top of the banana-quinoa mixture.
3. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the almond butter layer.
4. Add a pinch of salt to taste (optional).
5. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep: 5 min, cook quinoa: 5 min)
Banana Coconut Energy Bites
These no-bake bites are a perfect pick-me-up snack, packed with nutritious ingredients and delicious flavor. Made with mashed bananas, coconut flakes, and rolled oats, these energy-rich treats will keep you going all day long!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the coconut flakes, oats, honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
4. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready in just a few minutes.
Banana Avocado Smoothie
A creamy and refreshing blend of sweet bananas and nutty avocados, perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Spinach leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the bananas, avocado, and almond milk to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie.
6. If you want an extra boost of nutrition, add a handful of spinach leaves and blend until fully incorporated.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Banana Walnut Salad
This refreshing salad combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted walnuts, all tied together with a tangy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or snack, it’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced bananas and chopped mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the banana mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Get ready for a creamy and delicious breakfast treat! This Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the natural sweetness of bananas and the richness of peanut butter.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, mashed banana, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
3. In the morning, give the mixture a stir to redistribute the ingredients.
4. Serve chilled, topped with your choice of chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
Cooking Time: None! Let the oats do their magic while you sleep.
Banana Spinach Green Smoothie
This refreshing drink combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the nutritional power of spinach, making it a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and go!
Banana Cinnamon Roll Ups
Elevate your snack game with these soft, fluffy, and indulgently sweet banana cinnamon roll ups! Perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 package of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8-10 count)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Unroll the cinnamon roll dough and separate into individual pieces.
4. Slice each piece in half lengthwise, then spread 1/2 teaspoon of melted butter on each half.
5. Place one half with butter-side down and top with a few slices of banana.
6. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and fold the other half over to form a roll-up shape.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch between each roll up.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Banana Berry Smoothie
Combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the tartness of berries in this refreshing smoothie perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, mixed berries, and Greek yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder smoothie.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (blending time)
Serve: Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!
Summary
Get creative with these 18 delicious and healthy banana recipes! From breakfast treats like Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies and Healthy Banana Pancakes, to sweet snacks like Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl and Banana Almond Butter Toast, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy nutritious desserts like Banana Chia Pudding and Banana Protein Muffins. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy addition to your daily routine. Try them out and discover the many ways bananas can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your diet!
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