When it comes to using ripe bananas, most people think of tossing them into a smoothie or baking a classic banana bread. But there are countless delicious ways to enjoy these sweet and creamy fruits! In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of ripe bananas.
From sweet treats like banana cream pie and banana fritters with cinnamon sugar, to healthier options like banana oatmeal cookies and banana yogurt parfait, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Classic Banana Bread
Moist and flavorful, this classic banana bread recipe is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Banana Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy banana pancakes drizzled with pure Canadian maple syrup. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed bananas, milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Warm up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked banana muffins infused with dark chocolate chips! This simple recipe yields a batch of moist and flavorful treats perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
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 dry ingredients to 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 comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this comforting dessert featuring creamy banana pudding and crunchy vanilla wafers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
6. In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas and pudding mixture.
7. Top with crushed vanilla wafers and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Smoothie with Strawberries
This refreshing smoothie combines the creamy sweetness of bananas with the juicy flavor of strawberries, perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, strawberries, and Greek yogurt.
2. Add the honey and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired texture.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Moist banana flavor combines with hearty oatmeal and sweet spices to create a cookie that’s both wholesome and indulgent. These soft-baked treats are perfect for snacking or packing in lunchboxes.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 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 large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, softened butter, and optional nuts (if using) to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Banana Cream Pie
This classic dessert combines tender bananas with a creamy filling, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence!
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream and additional sliced bananas for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Arrange the banana slices in the pie crust.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the bananas.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Top with whipped cream and additional banana slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Banana French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and indulgent twist on classic French toast, featuring caramelized bananas and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
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 or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. While the French toast is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add sliced bananas and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Assemble the Banana French Toast by placing cooked bread slices on a plate, topping with caramelized bananas, and serving warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Banana Ice Cream with Caramel Sauce
Beat the heat with this refreshing and creamy banana ice cream recipe, topped with a rich caramel sauce. This sweet treat is perfect for a warm day or as a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and freeze them for at least 2 hours.
2. In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the ice cream is almost set, drizzle with caramel sauce and mix until combined.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including freezing time)
Banana Walnut Cake
This moist banana walnut cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a delicious flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, and eggs. Stir until smooth.
4. Add softened butter, chopped walnuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Banana Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet Banana Fritters with Cinnamon Sugar: A Delicious Treat
These crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside banana fritters are drizzled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and slice into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, egg, and mashed banana.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Using a spoon, drop small balls of batter into the oil, about 1/4 cup each.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Drizzle with cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of fritters)
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of dark chocolate chips, resulting in a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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 baking soda.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Banana Yogurt Parfait
A simple yet satisfying dessert that combines sweet bananas with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola. Perfect for a quick snack or after-dinner treat!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup plain yogurt (any flavor)
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the banana slices.
2. Top with yogurt, spreading it evenly to cover the bananas.
3. Sprinkle granola over the yogurt.
4. If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with yogurt on top.
Cooking Time: None! This parfait is ready in just a few minutes.
Banana Split Sundae
Experience the nostalgic charm of this iconic dessert with our simple recipe for Banana Split Sundae.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, cut lengthwise
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup whipped cream
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
– 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Cut the banana in half lengthwise and place each half on a serving dish.
2. Scoop vanilla ice cream over the bananas, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, and strawberry preserves.
4. Drizzle chocolate chips over the top for a finishing touch.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Banana Nutella Crepes
Create a delicious and indulgent dessert with this simple recipe that combines the richness of Nutella with the natural sweetness of bananas. Perfect for a quick treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup Nutella
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in 1/4 cup of batter and tilt to evenly coat the bottom.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the edges start to curl. Loosen with a spatula and flip.
5. Spread 1 tablespoon of Nutella on half of the crepe, then top with sliced banana.
6. Fold the crepe in thirds and cook for an additional minute.
7. Repeat with remaining batter and filling.
8. Serve warm dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Coconut Energy Bites
Need a boost of energy to get you through your day? These bite-sized treats are made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, coconut flakes, and oats. Perfect for a quick snack or post-workout recharge!
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or chia seeds for added crunch
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add the oats, coconut flakes, honey, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. If desired, add chopped nuts or chia seeds and mix again.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready in just a few minutes of preparation time.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Banana Coconut Energy Bites!
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Moist banana-filled dough wrapped in a sweet cinnamon and sugar mixture, these treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and granulated sugar. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough. Spread mashed banana evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
5. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long edges. Cut into 8-10 equal pieces.
6. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each roll. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a creamy and nutritious Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl that’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This recipe is quick, easy, and deliciously satisfying!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tsp honey
– Pinch of salt
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or fresh fruit
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine banana, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Top with your desired toppings (e.g., sliced almonds, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or fresh fruit).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweetness of ripe bananas with these 18 delicious recipes! From classic banana bread to decadent banana cream pie, and from breakfast treats like banana pancakes and muffins to sweet indulgences like banana ice cream and fritters, there’s something for every banana lover. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate chips, maple syrup, or caramel sauce, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a slice (or two!) of banana bliss!
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