Got ripe bananas hanging around? Don’t let them go to waste! Here are 15 ripe banana recipes including banana bread, smoothies, pancakes, ice cream and more so can you can have your bananas and eat them too!
Hello Ripe Bananas!
I’m not sure that there’s any other ingredients more versatile than ripe bananas. They can be used in everything from baked goods, to oatmeal to nice cream. In fact bananas just seem to taste better and better with time! They’re the perfect way to add natural sweetness without having to increase the sugar.
I almost always have a bunch of bananas in my home at all times. And if they’re starting to get dark and spotty I simply peel them, throw them in a ziplock bag and freeze them for a future recipe. Frozen bananas keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.
It’s hard to beat the flavor of banana but the texture is also a great addition to many baked goods. Oftentimes it can be added to batter in place of butter or oil for a moist texture.
So next time you have a bowl of bananas that are looking like they’re on their way out, check out one of these ripe banana recipes. You won’t regret it!
How to Ripen Bananas
Now let’s say you have a bunch of green bananas at home but a recipe you want to make calls for ripe bananas. While you can’t make your bananas ripen immediately, there are a few tricks to speed up the ripening process.
Paper Bag Method: Place bananas in a brown paper bag and loosely fold over the top. If you have other ripe fruit, like apples or avocados, place them in the bag as well. The ethylene gas will be released from the fruit ripen your bananas within 24 to 36 hours.
Baking Method: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (we want it a low and slow temp). Place your unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake bananas for 30-40 minutes or until peels have turned completely brown. Allow to cool completely before adding to baked goods.
Now that we have our overripe bananas, here are some snack, dessert and even breakfast recipes using ripe bananas!
15 Ripe Banana Recipes
01.
Banana Blueberry Muffins
For a healthy breakfast or snack, whip up a batch of these banana blueberry muffins. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and fresh or frozen blueberries, these muffins are a delicious way to curb your hunger!
02.
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Weekend breakfasts just got so much easier with these Banana Oatmeal Pancakes! Just throw all the ingredients into your blender and then cook on a skillet for delicious and healthy pancakes that taste just like banana bread!
03.
Almond Flour Banana Bread
Looking for a nutritious twist on classic banana bread? This almond flour banana bread is sweetened with maple syrup and ripe bananas and comes together with finely ground almond flour for a gluten-free banana bread alternative!
04.
Chocolate Covered Banana Pops
A healthy summer snack made from 3 simple ingredients! These Chocolate Covered Banana Pops are easily customizable, kid-friendly and a delicious recipe straight from the freezer.
05.
Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bars
Get your quinoa first thing in the morning with these Banana Quinoa Breakfast Bars. An easy, make-ahead breakfast that is vegan, refined-sugar-free and absolutely delicious.
06.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream. It’s made with just 3 simple ingredients and is ready in minutes! It’s also gluten-free, vegan and paleo. Ice cream just got a healthy makeover!
07.
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
An ultra-thick and creamy smoothie, this classic banana peanut butter smoothie tastes just like a milkshake, but packed full of nutrition! Made with just 4 simple ingredients that you almost definitely have on hand! The perfect breakfast or snack smoothie.
08.
Oatmeal Banana Peanut Butter Muffins
Extra-ripe bananas and all-natural peanut butter make these oatmeal banana peanut butter muffins a healthier snack option! Made in one bowl and no added sugar, these muffins will become a must-bake healthy treat!
09.
Banana Nut Overnight Oats
Prep your breakfast in 5 minutes or less with these Banana Nut Overnight Oats. Pop them in the fridge overnight for an easy, healthy and nutritious breakfast waiting for you in the morning.
10.
Banana Pancakes for Babies
4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes for babies and toddlers with no sugar added and sweetness entirely from banana! Perfect for baby led weaning and toddlers alike. The whole family will love this easy baby pancakes breakfast recipe made from simple ingredients!
11.
Zucchini Banana Bread
A healthy summer treat with a serving of zucchini mixed into this sweet and delicious Zucchini Banana Bread! Made gluten-free with oat flour, sweetened with unrefined sugars including banana and maple syrup and a healthy dose of chocolate, this healthy zucchini bread will quickly become a new favorite snack.
12.
Banana Cinnamon Crumb Muffins
A delicious and moist classic banana muffin with added cinnamon and crumb topping. These Banana Cinnamon Crumb Muffins are also gluten-free and lightened-up. Perfect for weekday breakfasts or snacking.
13.
Banana Protein Pancakes
The absolute best banana protein pancakes recipe you’ll try. Made with vanilla protein, egg, banana and a few other simple ingredients, this banana protein pancake recipe will become your new favorite high-protein breakfast!
14.
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
A delicious recipe for Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal that is vegan and gluten-free and packed-full of fiber. An easy weekday breakfast or weekend brunch recipe to serve a crowd.
15.
Baby Banana Oat Muffins
Looking for an easy snack or breakfast to whip up for your baby or toddler? These baby banana muffins are free of added sugar, sweetened with banana and packed full of fiber. You can also sneak in some hidden veggies!
