Bananas are one of the most versatile fruits around. Naturally sweet, soft, and packed with nutrients, they bring flavor and texture to just about any dish. From creamy smoothies to fluffy banana bread and refreshing desserts, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them. If you often find yourself with ripe bananas sitting on the counter, these delicious recipes using banana will show you exactly how to put them to good use.
In this roundup you will get the best banana recipes that are just what you need. From breakfast treats to quick snacks and indulgent desserts, these recipes will help you make the most of every banana, Recipes that are perfect for any time of day.
Tips For The Best Banana Recipes
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor: When it comes to banana recipes, the darker and softer your bananas, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots have a stronger, sweeter flavor that enhances baked goods and desserts naturally.
- Freeze bananas for quick, future use: If your bananas ripen faster than you can eat them, simply peel, slice, and freeze them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Frozen bananas are excellent for making smoothies, milkshakes, or “nice cream.” You can even thaw them for baking when you need them.
- Mash evenly for smooth texture: For recipes like cakes, muffins, and breads, mash your bananas until smooth and lump-free. Uneven mashing can lead to pockets of banana in your batter, which can make the texture inconsistent. A fork works fine, but if you want a silky texture, use a potato masher or a hand mixer.
- Add extra flavor boosters: While bananas are delicious on their own, a few simple additions can elevate their taste. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth, vanilla extract enhances sweetness, and a pinch of salt balances everything out. For an indulgent twist, mix in chocolate chips, walnuts, or shredded coconut.
30 Best Recipes Using Banana
1. Keto Banana Cake & Chocolate Frosting
This Keto Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a low-carb, sugar-free dessert that tastes just like the classic version! Moist, fluffy, and rich with banana flavor, it’s topped with creamy chocolate frosting for the perfect guilt-free treat.
2. Vegan Banana Cream Pie
This no-bake vegan banana cream pie combines smooth, fresh banana pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and a spiced Biscoff crust. It's eggless, dairy-free, and perfect for any occasion.
3. Banana Oat Pancakes
Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a touch of honey, this easy recipe is naturally sweet, filling, and perfect for a wholesome breakfast. They’re dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and come together in just minutes using simple pantry staples.
4. Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
This easy make-ahead breakfast is packed with creamy oats, fresh strawberries, sweet bananas, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Perfect for busy mornings, or a quick grab-and-go snack, these overnight oats are loaded with fiber, protein, and vitamins to keep you full and energized all day.
5. Magnolia Banana Pudding
Creamy, dreamy Magnolia Banana Pudding made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich, silky pudding. This classic Southern dessert is easy to make, irresistibly smooth, and perfect for any occasion.
6. Banana Pudding Jello Shots
Creamy, sweet, and full of Southern charm! These Banana Pudding Jello Shots combine layers of vanilla pudding, banana flavor, and whipped cream for a fun party treat everyone will love.
7. Classic Banana Belgian Waffles
Our Classic Banana Belgian Waffle recipe will make you nostalgic. They have everything a belgian waffle offers, crunch, buttery goodness and a light fluffy inside. Whip up a batch any time of the week with this easy waffle recipe.
8. Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas
Cool off with these delicious Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas. Made with ripe bananas dipped in rich melted chocolate and topped with your favorite sprinkles, nuts, or coconut flakes, they’re the perfect frozen treat for summer.
9. Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
These moist and fluffy Banana Nut Muffins are loaded with delicious banana flavor, hints of warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts. One of the best ways to use up overripe bananas, try a warm batch of these delicious jumbo-sized muffins, and enjoy it as a quick breakfast or sweet treat.
10. Kale Banana Smoothie
This Kale Banana Smoothie tastes like dessert! Baby kale, banana, and cashews are the primary ingredients for this creamy, dessert-like kale banana smoothie. If you’re new to green juice, start with this one.
11. Banana Bread Oatmeal
This Banana Bread Oatmeal tastes just like a slice of homemade banana bread in a bowl! Made with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect breakfast to start your day right. Quick to make, naturally sweet, and so satisfying.
12. Banana Bark
This sweet chocolate banana bark is the kind of treat that hits the spot all year long. Frozen in summer or chilled from the fridge anytime, it’s always a win when your sweet tooth strikes. Made with just four simple ingredients, there’s no baking, no fuss, and definitely no fancy steps.
13. Roasted Banana Pudding Parfaits
Roasted Banana Pudding Parfaits with layers of banana pudding, roasted bananas, and candied pecans. They are a rich, creamy, and delicious end to any meal.Autumn just feels like comfort food weather, and this Roasted Banana Pudding sounded like the perfect comfort food dessert.
14. Banana Split Fluff Salad
Banana Split Fluff Salad is a flavor-packed no bake dessert that feeds a crowd while also satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth in a fun way. Only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time is required.
15. Caramel Banana Sweet Rolls Recipe with Cream Cheese
These Caramel Banana Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate breakfast treat! Made with ripe bananas, gooey caramel sauce, and a rich cream cheese glaze, every bite melts in your mouth.
16. Banana Bread Bars
These moist and flavorful Banana Bread Bars are the perfect way to use up ripe bananas! Soft, buttery, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they make a delicious snack or dessert everyone will love.
17. Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a classic dessert loved by many. It's a sweet, creamy treat filled with layers of delicious vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a rich pudding mixture. This dessert not only tastes amazing but is also super easy to make, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
18. Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter
Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter– fun, easy, and kid-friendly, these Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.Easily prepared ahead of time, pop these beauties in the refrigerator and have them set and ready to go for breakfast in the morning.
19. Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups
Creamy layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and fluffy whipped topping come together in these adorable Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Cups. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick no-bake dessert, each cup is filled with classic Southern flavor and sweet nostalgia.
20. Bananas Foster Ice Cream Sundaes
This version of Bananas Foster is a tropical twist on the classic New Orleans dessert. Layers of caramelized bananas, shredded toasted coconut, and crunchy macadamia nuts make a delicious sauce for ice cream.
21. Banana Pudding Fluff
This creamy and easy-to-make Banana Pudding Fluff offers a delightful alternative to traditional banana pudding. This no-bake dessert salad combines the flavors of ripe bananas and Nilla wafers.Perfect for potlucks or serving in a big bowl, this classic and delicious treat offers a lusciously creamy texture and the nostalgic taste of banana pudding.
22. Banana Pudding Cheesecake Ice Cream
Creamy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, this Banana Pudding Cheesecake Ice Cream is the perfect dessert to satisfy your cravings on a warm summer day. With its velvety texture and irresistible combination of classic flavors, this recipe is a must-try for all ice cream enthusiasts.
23. Chocolate Banana Bread Smoothie
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavor of this Chocolate Banana Bread Smoothie. Made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, it tastes just like a slice of banana bread in drink form. Perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free dessert, this smoothie is both satisfying and delicious.
24. Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread
This vegan chocolate banana bread loaf is moist and fluffy while being packed with chocolatey flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is a great way to use up any ripe bananas you have in your pantry.
25. Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
Made with ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and wholesome ingredients, they’re the perfect guilt-free breakfast or snack. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults, these muffins are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy treat any time of day.
26. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
These 10-minute 3-ingredient banana pancakes are outrageously delicious. They are made with bananas, eggs and oat flour, making for a light and easygoing kid-friendly breakfast recipe. This is the perfect breakfast for a baby, toddler, or grownups.
27. Instant Pot Banana Cream Custard
This ambrosial banana cream custard is filled with bananas and has a creamy and soft texture that makes it a divine desert.Creamy, smooth, and bursting with banana flavor, this Instant Pot Banana Cream Custard is the perfect easy dessert. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker, it’s rich, silky, and full of homemade comfort.
28. 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes
These 4-Ingredient Banana Pancakes are so easy to make and perfectly light and fluffy. Make a big batch of these pancakes on the weekend and enjoy them on busy mornings throughout the week.
29. Banana Cookies
Banana Cookies taste like banana bread and are the perfect way to use up your ripe bananas. Serve these soft, cake-like treats for breakfast, dessert or a quick snack.Soft, chewy, and packed with sweet banana flavor ,these Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas and simple ingredients, they’re easy to bake and always a crowd favorite.
30. Banana Cinnamon Rolls
With a tender homemade dough, warm cinnamon sugar filling, and layers of fresh banana slices, these rolls bake up golden and gooey with just the right touch of cream cheese icing on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with overripe bananas?
Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread, muffins, pancakes, or smoothies. The riper they are, the more flavor they’ll add to your recipe.
Can I freeze bananas for later use?
Yes! Peel them first, slice, and store in an airtight container. Frozen bananas are great for smoothies, ice cream, or baking.
How can I make banana recipes healthier?
You can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and replace butter with Greek yogurt or mashed bananas for a lighter option.
Why do my banana baked goods turn brown quickly?
Bananas naturally oxidize when exposed to air. Adding a bit of lemon juice or baking immediately after mixing can help reduce browning.
Bananas truly are a kitchen staple that deserve more credit than they get. From breakfast to dessert, their natural sweetness, creamy texture, and versatility make them a perfect ingredient for countless delicious recipes.
So next time you find those speckled bananas on your counter, don’t see them as past their prime. Instead, see them as the start of your next favorite recipe.
