Don't compost your old bananas just yet—turn them into bread, pudding, cake, cookies or bars with these ripe banana recipes.
And just like that, another week flew by without even touching the bananas in the fruit bowl. They’re probably deeply freckled or almost black, but just because they’re too ripe to peel and eat plain doesn’t mean they’re not salvageable. Since the bananas are soft and extremely sweet at this point, they’re perfect for mashing up and using in ripe banana recipes.
This collection includes plenty of banana desserts, such as decadent banana cheesecake, ice cream, brownies, chocolate cake, classic banana pudding and even a fancy bananas Foster. Of course, there is no shortage of breakfast recipes where bananas shine in smoothies, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, coffee cake and muffins. And it’s not a complete list without plenty of banana bread recipes, from the classic loaf to modern offshoots like pumpkin and apple topped with caramel and coconut.
So many banana recipes are available. Whether you’re working with one ripe banana or a whole bunch, you’ll definitely find a recipe that inspires you. And if your bananas aren’t quite ripe yet but you’re itching to use them in overripe banana recipes, you can totally ripen bananas yourself. I prefer the oven technique, but the microwave method works too!
1/25
Banana Bread Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana bread snack cake doesn't need any frosting—just a dusting of confectioners' sugar. Guests are always amazed that I made this treat from scratch. —Denise Loewenthal, Hinckley, Ohio
2/25
Banana Oat Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Chopped pecans add pleasant crunch to these hearty banana oat muffins with rich banana flavor. The muffins are low in cholesterol, but you’d never know it. My husband and I love them. —Marjorie Mott, Galatia, Illinois
3/25
Banana Split Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
How’s this for a dish? All the joy of a banana split without the mess. Everything in this recipe fits into one pan of delectable brownie bars. —Constance Sheckler, Chestertown, Maryland
4/25
Peanut Butter and Banana Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
I love bananas, and I love to make breakfast too. These are a refreshing change from your everyday waffles. I like to make big batches so I can freeze the leftovers and reheat them later for a quick breakfast. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
5/25
Banana Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This absolutely scrumptious banana Bundt cake has been a family secret for years. I'm delighted to share it with my fellow home cooks. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
6/25
Banana Coffee Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
You're sure to go crazy over this yummy banana coffee cake topped with cinnamon, sugar and pecans. This recipe is so delicious that a local pecan grower asked permission to use it in one of his brochures. —Georgia Courtney, Las Cruces, New Mexico
7/25
Banana Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This light-as-air chocolate cake has a yummy banana flavor. It’s scrumptious as is, but you can also dress it up with nuts or light frostings. —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin
8/25
Banana Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a basic pound cake recipe from my great-aunt for this treat. It makes a moist cake that pops out of the pan perfectly. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
9/25
Banana and Chocolate Puff Pastry
From the Recipe Creator:
Banana with chocolate is such an irresistible combo that I make this quick dessert often. You can also top these tasty bundles with the butter and brown sugar mixture left over from coating the bananas, or sprinkle on a dash of sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
10/25
Pumpkin Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across these loaves in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make this pumpkin banana bread recipe on a regular basis. It conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
11/25
Banana Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married, my husband was in the Navy. Stationed in Puerto Rico, we had banana trees growing in our yard, so I found ways to use dozens of ripe bananas at a time. I made these banana squares often. They freeze well and make a great snack to have on hand when friends drop in for coffee. —Susan Miller, Raleigh, North Carolina
12/25
Banana Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
We have banana trees in our backyard that bear fruit all year. After making banana bread, muffins and cookies, I still had some of our bountiful crop left, so I decided to try this recipe. —Sera Smith, West Palm Beach, Florida
13/25
Banana Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food that is quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
14/25
Potluck Banana Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe more than five years ago and have been making it for family gatherings ever since. The coffee-flavored frosting complements the moist banana cake. —Kathy Hoffman, Topton, Pennsylvania
15/25
Banana Macadamia Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins taste even better the next day, so to save time, I often make them the night before. They stay moist for days. —Stasha Wampler, Clinchport, Virginia
16/25
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made these oatmeal banana cookies when I was young. Now my children like making them just as much as I did, and we quadruple the recipe to serve our large family. You can't eat just one of these goodies packed with chocolate morsels. —Jaqueline Wilson, Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin
17/25
Banana Blueberry Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a favorite in our home. My kids don’t even realize how healthy these pancakes are! —Kelly Reinicke, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
18/25
Cast-Iron Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
19/25
Best Banana Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
My son-in-law says this is the best banana ice cream he’s ever had. It’s always requested at family gatherings. —Donna Robbins, Skiatook, Oklahoma
20/25
Banana Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These bars are always a hit at potlucks in the small rural farming community where my husband and I live. I also like to provide them for coffee hour after church. They're so moist and delicious that wherever I take them, they don't last long. —Karen Dryak, Niobrara, Nebraska
21/25
The Best Bananas Foster
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are always impressed when I ignite the rum in this delicious bananas Foster dessert. Use perfectly ripe bananas for the best results. —Mary Lou Wayman, Salt Lake City, Utah
22/25
Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
23/25
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This gluten-free banana bread recipe isn't dry and crumbly—it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! —Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
24/25
Apple Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
25/25
Banana Smoothie
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana smoothie has to be one of my favorite recipes because it can be made in a flash, yet it's full of flavor. I think the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. Everyone—not only banana lovers—will love it! —Ro Ann Cox, Lenoir, North Carolina
Ripe Banana Recipes
What can I do with overripe bananas?
There are plenty of recipes to make with overripe bananas. Bake a batch of banana bread, a snacking cake, a cheesecake, muffins, cookies, brownies or a coffee cake with your brown bananas. Or, cook them in pancakes, waffles, an ice cream base, oatmeal, bananas Foster or puff pastry. Lastly, you can save your overripe bananas for an epic banana smoothie.
Can you freeze ripe bananas for baking?
Yes, you can freeze ripe bananas for baking. Peel the bananas first, then stick them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container (the bag takes up less room in the freezer). Once you’re ready to use the bananas, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for one hour. Drain any excess liquid (but don’t squeeze out any liquid!) and use the bananas as needed.
Are ripe bananas good for banana bread?
Yes, ripe bananas are good for banana bread. When bananas ripen, their flesh becomes softer and their taste is sweeter. The softness makes them easy to mash for the banana bread batter, and super sweet bananas add a lot of nice flavor. Always use ripe bananas for banana bread, just make sure they’re not so ripe that they’re moldy.
