Are you a banana lover? Do you always have a few ripe bananas lying around, just waiting to be used up? Well, you’re in luck! Bananas are one of the most versatile fruits out there, and they can be used in everything from sweet treats like breads and muffins, to savory dishes like smoothies and omelets. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious banana recipes that will satisfy your cravings and inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
From classic banana bread to decadent banana cream pie, we’ve got a recipe for every banana lover. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a special treat, these recipes are sure to please. So go ahead, grab a few bananas, and get ready to indulge in some deliciousness! In this article, we’ll start by exploring the top 10 banana recipes that will make your taste buds dance.
Classic Banana Bread
This beloved banana bread recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for snacking, sandwiching, or serving as a dessert. With ripe bananas, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, this classic treat is 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
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Banana Pancakes with Maple Syrup
These fluffy banana pancakes are infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and complemented by the rich, velvety smoothness of pure maple syrup. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve warm with pure maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch (depending on number of pancakes)
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
These scrumptious muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of dark chocolate chips, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
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
– 2 large eggs
– 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, eggs, 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 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Banana Foster French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent Banana Foster French toast recipe! With caramelized bananas, gooey chocolate, and crispy bread, you’ll be starting the day off right.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. While the French toast is cooking, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized.
5. To assemble, place cooked French toast on a plate, top with caramelized banana slices, and drizzle with chocolate chips.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
A delicious and nutritious twist on traditional cookies, these banana oatmeal treats are perfect for a snack or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients and minimal sugar, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
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 honey, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
3. Add oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Banana Splits with Ice Cream
A sweet twist on the classic banana split, this recipe adds a smoky flavor from the grill and a creamy topping of your favorite ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 pint your favorite ice cream (we recommend vanilla, strawberry, or cookie dough)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the bananas.
4. Grill the bananas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Split each banana lengthwise and top with scoops of your favorite ice cream.
6. Add whipped cream and chopped nuts if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic Southern dessert that combines the richness of banana pudding with the crunch of vanilla wafers. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
– Whipped cream and additional vanilla wafers for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
4. Fold in sliced bananas.
5. Spoon pudding into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Top with crushed vanilla wafers and whipped cream (if using).
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A classic combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and refreshing yogurt comes together in this simple and delicious smoothie. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, and yogurt. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the milk and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder smoothie.
5. Blend again to crush the ice.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just blend!)
Banana Nutella Crepes
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these sweet and indulgent Banana Nutella Crepes!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Filling ingredients:
+ 2 ripe bananas, sliced
+ 2 tablespoons Nutella
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a small non-stick pan or crepe pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter and cook for 2 minutes or until edges start to curl.
5. Flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed.
6. Fill crepes with sliced bananas and drizzle with Nutella. Fold and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (depending on the number of crepes you make)
Vegan Banana Ice Cream
Cool down with a creamy and delicious vegan banana ice cream that’s perfect for hot summer days!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or other non-dairy milk
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and place them in a blender with the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once frozen and scoopable, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! Let the magic happen in your ice cream maker or freezer
Banana Caramel Upside-Down Cake
Moist banana cake meets sweet caramelized bananas and a crunchy brown sugar topping in this show-stopping dessert. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23cm x 33cm) baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
3. Arrange banana slices on top of the caramel mixture in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. Pour batter over bananas.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Coconut Chia Pudding
This delicious and nutritious pudding combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of coconut milk, all tied together with the nutty flavor of chia seeds. Perfect as a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and coconut milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
2. Peel the bananas and mash them in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Add the mashed banana, honey, and salt to the chia seed mixture. Mix well to combine.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow it to thicken and set.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced bananas or shredded coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (not including refrigeration time)
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day with a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls by incorporating ripe bananas into the dough. These sweet and savory treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1 large ripe banana, mashed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, proof the yeast by mixing with warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add mashed banana, melted butter, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Spread with cinnamon sugar mixture (1 tablespoon granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon).
6. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Walnut Waffles
Start your day with a delicious breakfast treat that combines sweet banana and crunchy walnuts in a crispy waffle. This recipe yields a batch of golden brown waffles perfect for a family brunch or weekend morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Repeat with remaining batter.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Cream Pie
A classic dessert that’s sure to please, this banana cream pie recipe combines the sweetness of bananas with a creamy filling and flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crust ingredients (graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar). Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together cream, sugar, and salt until stiff peaks form.
5. Arrange sliced bananas in the baked pie crust.
6. Pour whipped cream over bananas.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (crust) + refrigeration time
Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats
Start your day with a deliciously creamy and fruity Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats that’s perfect for a busy morning on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed banana, oats, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
3. Just before serving, gently fold in blueberries and salt.
4. Serve chilled, topped with additional blueberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 4+ hours or overnight
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of dark chocolate chips, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. Add mashed bananas, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Banana Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and indulgent twist on classic French toast, stuffed with ripe banana slices.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or brioche)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon 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 a banana slice in the center of each bread slice.
5. Fold the bread over the banana to form a triangle or a square shape, pressing gently to seal.
6. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Banana Almond Butter Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and satisfying toast combination featuring ripe bananas and creamy almond butter on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 2 tbsp almond butter
– 2 slices whole grain bread (toasted)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of almond butter on each slice of toast.
3. Arrange sliced bananas on top of the almond butter.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to balance the flavors (optional).
5. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired for an extra layer of sweetness.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.
Banana Rum Cake with Caramel Glaze
Moist banana cake infused with the warmth of rum, topped with a rich caramel glaze – a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the caramel glaze:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix mashed bananas, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add rum and vanilla extract, if using.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the glaze, combine cream, sugar, melted butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle with caramel glaze while still warm.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 20 delicious banana recipes! From classic treats like banana bread and pancakes, to creative twists like grilled banana splits and vegan ice cream, there’s something for everyone. Try making banana foster French toast or healthy oatmeal cookies for a tasty breakfast or snack. If you’re feeling decadent, whip up some banana Nutella crepes or caramel upside-down cake. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat or a special dessert, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you going bananas!
