Are you tired of throwing away overripe bananas, only to end up with a bunch of mushy peels? Think again! Ripe bananas are actually a treasure trove of deliciousness just waiting to be unleashed in the kitchen. With their creamy texture and sweet flavor, they’re the perfect addition to countless recipes. From classic banana bread to decadent banana cream pie, there’s no shortage of ways to use up those ripe bananas.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of ripe bananas. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent or healthy and wholesome, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative with those overripe bananas, and discover a world of flavors and textures that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without them!
Banana Bread with Walnuts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic banana bread recipe, enhanced by the added texture and flavor of walnuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Easy Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for any time of the year. These easy banana pancakes are made with ripe bananas, eggs, and whole wheat flour, making them a great way to use up those overripe bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the egg, milk, and mashed banana to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined but still slightly lumpy.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil if necessary.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip and cook for another minute.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Moist banana oatmeal cookies filled with sweet caramel notes are perfect for a snack or dessert. This simple recipe yields a batch of chewy treats that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Moist and flavorful, these banana chocolate chip muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go. With ripe bananas and dark chocolate chips, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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 flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Quick Banana Pudding
Whip up a creamy and delicious banana pudding in no time with this simple recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a quick treat to brighten up anyone’s day.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until pudding thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Fold in sliced bananas.
6. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Banana French Toast
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional French toast, loaded with sweet and creamy banana goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
– Cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. While the French toast is cooking, top with sliced bananas.
6. Serve warm and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Healthy Banana Ice Cream
This recipe transforms ripe bananas into a creamy and healthy ice cream, perfect for hot summer days or as a guilt-free treat any time of the year. With only 3 ingredients and no added sugars, this banana “ice cream” is a game-changer!
Ingredients:
• 3-4 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and place them in a freezer-safe blender or food processor.
2. Add the almond milk and salt to the blender.
3. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth, creamy, and almost double in volume (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Pour the mixture into a bowl or container and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
5. Place the mixture in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
6. Once frozen, scoop and serve as you would regular ice cream!
Cooking Time: None needed! Just blend, freeze, and enjoy.
Banana Nutella Crepes
A delicate French crepe filled with a rich and creamy banana-Nutella filling, perfect for a indulgent breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Filling ingredients:
+ 2 ripe bananas, sliced
+ 2 tablespoons Nutella
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth.
2. Add melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. Pour in enough batter to cover the bottom of the pan.
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the edges start to curl.
6. Loosen with a spatula and flip.
7. Spread 1 tablespoon Nutella on half of the crepe, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Top with sliced banana and fold the crepe in thirds.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on size and thickness)
Banana Yogurt Parfait
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast parfait that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of yogurt. This simple recipe is perfect for busy mornings or as a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the sliced bananas.
2. Spoon the Greek yogurt over the bananas.
3. Sprinkle the granola evenly over the yogurt.
4. Drizzle with honey, if using, for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Repeat the layers one more time to create a parfait.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Easy Banana Fritters
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that are perfect for a snack or dessert. Simply mash ripe bananas and mix them with flour, eggs, and sugar, then fry into crispy fritters.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add the flour, sugar, and egg to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop small portions of the mixture into the hot oil, about 1/4 cup each.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Dust with powdered sugar (optional). Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
A deliciously simple smoothie that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of peanut butter, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, and vanilla yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. If desired, add ice cubes and blend until crushed.
6. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Banana Coconut Energy Balls
These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of coconut and a hint of vanilla, making them a perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the oats, coconut, and honey to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
5. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These energy balls are best served chilled, so you can enjoy them straight from the fridge.
Simple Banana Cake
This Simple Banana Cake recipe is a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is a great way to use up overripe bananas and enjoy a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
These soft and fluffy banana cinnamon rolls are filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack, these treats will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and beaten egg.
4. Add mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Quick Banana Chia Pudding
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that’s ready in just a few minutes! This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy texture of chia seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and almond milk. Stir well to combine.
2. Peel the banana and add it to the bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth.
3. Add honey if desired for extra sweetness. Mix well.
4. Sprinkle salt to taste (optional).
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or overnight.
6. Give the mixture a good stir before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is no-cook, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Enjoy your quick and easy banana chia pudding!
Banana Caramel Oat Bars
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these chewy banana caramel oat bars! A perfect combination of textures and flavors, these treats are a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal raisin cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mashed bananas; mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in caramel sauce until well combined.
5. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Banana Maple Walnut Muffins
These sweet treats combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of maple syrup and the crunch of walnuts, all wrapped up in a tender muffin.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Add mashed bananas and whisk until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, chopped walnuts, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Fold in maple syrup.
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to go bananas with these 18 delicious and quick recipe ideas! From classic banana bread with walnuts to sweet treats like banana chocolate chip muffins, and from breakfast favorites like easy banana pancakes to healthy indulgences like banana ice cream, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and make use of ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
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