Need inspiration for those bananas on your counter? Are you minutes away from being claimed by fruit flies? Look no further – there are so many great banana recipes to choose from here!
We literally process around 4-5 bunches of bananas a week. At least. My son alone eats about three a day, and that’s only because I limit him to three a day. In fact, it was one of his first words. “Nah-nah!” He loves her. I barely manage to save a few brown ones to bake with or use in smoothies. I almost always use my favorite healthy banana bread, but it’s fun to try new things too!
This recipe list has a little bit of everything, but as always, all recipes are simple and straightforward.
On this list you will find desserts, smoothies, pancakes and of course breads and muffins.
Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to try first!
Ripen bananas quickly
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can make these recipes today! There are two ways to quickly ripen bananas.
Brown paper bag method
This method is slower – it still takes 1-3 days for your bananas to ripen depending on how ripe they are to begin with. Place them in a brown paper bag and fold over. To speed up the process, add an apple, avocado, or tomato to the bag of bananas as well.
The science behind this method is that ethylene gas builds up in the bag and helps the bananas ripen faster.
oven method
Preheat your oven to 300ºF. Place the bananas (skin on) on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for 20-40 minutes or until dark black-brown. They will look super ugly but be soft and cute on the inside. Don’t be alarmed if some juice/sugar spills out – that’s what the parchment paper is for.
Allow to cool thoroughly before handling and using in your recipes.
This method works best for bananas that are at least a little ripe, not light green bananas.
How to freeze bananas
If you have too many bananas right now, you can freeze them for later! You can go to our tutorial to learn how to freeze bananas, but I’ll give you the short version here.
- Line a pan with parchment to keep the bananas from sticking.
- Slice the ripe bananas and place them in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze until firm, 1-2 hours.
- Once set, place them in a freezer safe container where they will keep for 3 months.
Frozen bananas are great for smoothies straight from the freezer, or thaw them overnight in the fridge for use in baked goods.
16 banana recipes
Whole wheat banana bread is a staple at my house – my kids love it and it’s a perfect way to use ripe bananas. It freezes well and makes a great lunchbox treat!
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Brown Sugar Glazed Banana Donuts are irresistibly good. These baked donuts are easy to make too!
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Old fashioned homemade banana cake is hard to beat! Make your own cake using ripe bananas and a hand mixer, it’s that easy.
Check out this recipe
Triple Chocolate Banana Muffins, brimming with dark chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, are nutritious and filling with whole wheat flour and very little oil. You will love these muffins!
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These easy and healthy banana pancakes taste like banana bread in whole wheat pancake form! They freeze well and make mornings delicious!
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Get out your mixer and make these easy (AND HEALTHY!) Banana Coconut Mixer Pancakes. They are a taste of the tropics!
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This whole wheat banana bread uses very little oil and 100% whole wheat flour. The caramel bits add the perfect sweetness.
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Wholemeal banana muffins with a crispy crumble topping are so delicious. Perfect for breakfast, snacks or lunch box treats.
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This Peach, Banana, Honey, and Cottage Cheese Smoothie is a perfect snack or breakfast for kids and adults alike. Cottage cheese gives an extra boost of protein!
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This Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Milkshake is cool, refreshing and perfect for a summer day. You’ll love the combination of these three classic ingredients.
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These banana cupcakes are the perfect combination of banana and chocolate. The sweet filling inside makes them very special.
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This Chocolate Banana Bread is (almost) guilt-free and a perfect way to start your morning. Tastes great with coffee!
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These breakfast cookies are a great balance of health and decadence with chocolate, walnuts, whole wheat flour, and a low amount of fat.
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This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is ultra moist, sprinkled with chocolate chips and topped with a thick layer of chocolate cream cheese frosting.
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This thin banana bread is low in fat and a hit recipe I’ve made many times. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or hot tea!
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Perfect for a quick breakfast or a refreshing snack, Mango Banana Smoothie is creamy, delicious and easy to make!
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