As a food and lifestyle expert, I’m always experimenting with new ingredients and developing recipes that are not only delicious but also sustainable. One common ingredient that I often find in abundance in my kitchen is overripe bananas. They’re incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Today, I want to share with you 15 creative and easy recipes that utilize overripe bananas, helping you reduce waste while enjoying tasty treats.
1. Banana Bread
A staple in many households, banana bread is a delicious way to use up overripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Add a twist by throwing in some chocolate chips or walnuts for extra texture. My favourite is this Winter Spice Banana Bread.
2. Banana Pancakes
Start your morning with fluffy banana pancakes. These are easy to whip up and perfect for a comforting breakfast. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful meal.
3. Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Ideal for breakfast or as a snack, these Double Chocolate Chip, Banana and Coffee Muffins are moist, flavorful, and filled with gooey chocolate chips. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and a great snack to pack for on-the-go moments. For this recipe, you can absolutely omit the coffee if you wish!
4. Banana Ice Cream
Also known as “nice cream,” this frozen one-ingredient dessert is made by blending frozen bananas into a creamy ice cream texture. It’s a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream and can be customized with various toppings like nuts, berries, or chocolate sauce.
5. Banana French Toast
Give your French toast a banana twist by adding 1 mashed ripe banana into the egg mixture. This adds a natural sweetness and richness to the bread, making it a decadent breakfast option.
6. Banana Pudding
This classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Layered with vanilla wafers, slices of banana, and creamy pudding, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any family gathering. Check out this recipe for a decadent Banana Pudding recipe.
7. Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with the sweet flavor of bananas and shredded coconut. They’re healthy and only require a few simple ingredients.
8. Banana Apple Smoothie
For a quick and healthy vegan breakfast, try this Apple Banana Smoothie. Blend ripe bananas with plant-based milk, apple, and a scoop of vegan protein powder. It’s energizing and nutritious. You can even add in a piece of ginger for added health benefits.
9. Banana Coconut Cream Pie
Combine the tropical flavors of coconut and banana in a delicious cream pie. This dessert is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it perfect for special occasions.
10. Banana Oat Bars
These bars are great for breakfast or as a snack. They’re packed with nutrients from oats, bananas, and nuts, and are free from refined sugar, making them a healthy option any time of the day.
11. Banana Caramel Cupcakes
Infuse your cupcakes with mashed bananas and top them with caramel frosting for a decadent treat. The banana adds moisture and flavor, making these cupcakes irresistibly soft. Try this recipe!
12. Banana Sushi
A fun and quirky way to enjoy bananas. Peel a banana, cover it in peanut butter, roll it in crushed nuts or seeds, and then slice it into sushi-like pieces. It’s a fun, bite-sized snack that kids love.
13. Banana Breakfast Muffins
For a nutritious start to your day or a wholesome snack, try these Healthy Banana Breakfast Muffins. They’re easy to make, satisfying, and packed with healthy ingredients. If you love carrot cake as much as I do, then you need to try out my Carrot Cake Banana Muffins!
14. White Chocolate and Pear Banana Bread
Enhance your banana bread by adding a some white chocolate and diced fruit! This White Chocolate and Pear Banana Bread is a tasty way to get more fibre in your diet, and also makes simple banana bread a little more decadent.
15. Chocolate Banana Cake
This rich, moist cake uses ripe bananas and a generous amount of chocolate, making it a perfect dessert for any chocolate lover.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these recipes into your cooking, you can ensure that no banana goes to waste in your home. As a recipe developer for major food brands, I’ve learned that minimizing waste not only saves money but also encourages creativity in the kitchen. Each of these recipes has been crafted to provide maximum flavor while promoting sustainable cooking practices.
For more tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your ingredients, join me over on Instagram @may.eighty.five. Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
