Bananas are among some of the easiest fruits to eat, and they also happen to be pretty darn good for you. Some people are even starting to eat the peel itself, which has its own set of benefits. But in case you want to enjoy that perfectly ripe banana that’s without making it look overly awkward and sexual, these recipes should do just the trick. Don’t let those ripened bananas go to waste.
1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Photo by Becky Hughes
The most common way to use up ripe bananas is to mash it into a bread, but you’ve never had banana bread like this before. It’s gluten-free and has no processed sugars, so if you’re into that, this is for you. If not, it’s still a pretty delicious recipe (and it has chocolate, fam).
2. Banana Snickerdoodles
Photo by Emma Delaney
Don’t settle for your regular snickerdoodles – the cinnamon in this cookie recipe compliments the subtle sweetness of the bananas, making a cookie you could very well enjoy for breakfast.
3. Banana Coffee Chip Breakfast Cookies
Photo by Zoe Holland
Keeping with the breakfast theme, these cookies have a touch of ground coffee, kicking up your energy while the oats and almond butter keep you full.
4. Banana Cream Pie
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Layers on layers on layers of sliced bananas, all tied together with a custard-like filling that makes the entire pie taste like banana pudding. Interested? Try it out.
5. Spiced Banana Pear Muffins
Photo by Kayla Pichichero
All your favorite fall spices in one spectacular muffin. These cuties get their sweetness from coconut sugar and the fruits themselves, so you won’t have a massive sugar load that’ll have you bouncing off of walls uncontrollably.
6. Baked Banana S’mores
Photo by Gabby Phi
You heard me. These banana s’mores are practically a sweet version of lasagna, and it tastes just as good as it sounds. No campfire needed.
7. Baked Banana Chips
Photo by Audrey Mirabito
Only two ingredients, and these don’t have all that added sugar that are found in store-bought chips. Try dipping them in peanut butter or dessert hummus for a quick yet filling snack.
8. Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Photo by Maddie Cole
While it may take a little extra time to get these hot buns ready to eat, the end result is so worth it. Sliced bananas and chopped pecans are nestled inside each roll, adding a sweet crunch to each bite.
9. Healthy Banana Split
Photo by Clarisse Callahan
Peanut butter and banana, we meet again. With greek yogurt in the center and tons of berries on top, you may have just found your new go-to dessert.
10. Nutella Banana Sushi
Photo by Madeline Leadem
Now this is a dessert hybrid that I can go along with. They’re wrapped in crêpes, which you can totally make at home, but if you’re not feeling up to the challenge yet, you can always use store-bought crepes. Either way, you’ll have a roll that’ll rival your favorite Spicy Tuna.
11. Gluten-free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Photo by Sara Mickow
Each of these muffin bites pack some protein, letting you jumpstart your day on a high note. Plus, you can make them in a blender. Easy AF, that’s what’s up.
12. Banana Hummus
Photo by Sarah Strong
Trust us, even though it sounds a little unsettling at first, we know what we’re doing. It’s addicting enough to eat it straight from the bowl, but it tastes just as good when you dip it with some cinnamon sugar pita chips.
13. Banana Split Truffles
Photo by Alex Frank
Now you can take the flavor of an entire banana split in these mini, bite-sized truffles, which are perfect for enjoying the throwback dessert on-the-go. Be careful when you eat it though, cause some people may ask you to share – and we know how you feel about that.
14. Mini Vegan Banana Popsicles
Photo by Kristine Mahan
No need to buy those popsicles loaded with artificial ingredients and added sugars at the supermarket – these banana pops are perhaps the healthiest popsicles you’ll ever have. They’re even topped with bee pollen and goji berries, for the inner superfoodie inside you.
15. Banana Ice Cream
Photo by Katherine Carroll
Too cheap to buy ice cream? Make this frozen banana ice cream instead, which only has two ingredients and can easily be done in a blender. Top the finished product with crumbled Reese’s or Heath Bars to add a nutty flavor to the mix.