Ripe bananas don’t have to go to waste or sit on the counter. They can be turned into soft breads, sweet bars, muffins, or easy desserts that everyone will enjoy. These 17 simple and irresistible recipes show how easy it is to give bananas new life while using ingredients you likely have on hand. The recipes are quick, straightforward, and full of flavor, making it simple to create treats that work for breakfast, snacks, or dessert anytime.
Banana Chip Muffins. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Frosted Banana Bars
Soft banana bars topped with creamy frosting turn into a dessert that’s easy to slice and share. The texture stays tender and the sweetness is just right without being overpowering. Bake a pan and see how ripe bananas can be transformed into a treat everyone will reach for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl
Bananas blend into a creamy base that holds up under granola and fresh berries for a snack or breakfast that comes together quickly. The mix of smooth fruit and crunchy topping makes it satisfying and balanced. Make a bowl and discover how bananas can turn simple ingredients into a snack that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl
Banana Boats
Bananas filled with chocolate, marshmallows, or peanut butter make a fast, fun treat that is soft and sweet. As the fruit warms, it blends with the fillings into a smooth, rich bite. Put one together and see how a few simple ingredients can make bananas into a snack worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Dessert Nachos
Banana slices with chocolate and cinnamon-sugar chips create a snack that’s crisp, creamy, and full of flavor. The combination of textures makes it fun and satisfying without a lot of effort. Grab a few bananas and see how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Banana Chip Muffins
Mashed bananas keep muffins moist while chocolate chips add extra sweetness and richness in every bite. The batter comes together fast and bakes into a soft, flavorful treat. Bake a batch and see how ripe bananas make even simple baking taste better.
Get the Recipe: Banana Chip Muffins
Classic Banana Bread
Ripe bananas create a soft, sweet loaf that stays moist and comforting every time. It uses only a few pantry ingredients and comes together with very little effort. Slice a loaf and see why bananas have always been a favorite for homemade baking.
Get the Recipe: Classic Banana Bread
Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Frozen bananas blend into a creamy filling that tastes like soft serve without any extra steps or dairy. Sandwiched between crisp graham crackers, it makes a cold, fun snack. Keep some frozen bananas on hand and turn them into a simple dessert everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Brown Sugar Banana Bread
Brown sugar brings out the rich sweetness of ripe bananas and makes the bread soft, moist, and flavorful. It’s an easy way to use bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Bake a loaf and see how simple ingredients can turn bananas into something irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Banana Bread
Nutella Swirled Banana Bread
Ripe bananas and Nutella swirl together into a moist, chocolatey loaf that tastes soft, rich, and special. The recipe is simple, but the banana-hazelnut mix creates a standout flavor. Bake one and see how bananas can turn everyday baking into something everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Swirled Banana Bread
Air Fryer Banana Chips
Thin banana slices crisp up in the air fryer into a light, salty snack with just a hint of sweetness. The process is quick, simple, and only takes a few minutes. Slice some bananas and see how easy it is to make a snack that is crunchy, tasty, and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Banana Chips
Bananas Foster Croissant Bread Pudding
Flaky croissants soak up caramelized bananas to create a gooey dessert that’s soft, buttery, and full of flavor. The layers of pastry and fruit melt together in every bite. Bake it and see how bananas can turn simple ingredients into a dessert that tastes like comfort.
Get the Recipe: Bananas Foster Croissant Bread Pudding
Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia
Banana slices wrapped in lumpia wrappers fry into crisp, golden rolls with soft, sweet fruit inside. Each bite is a mix of crunch and smoothness that feels satisfying. Fry a few and see how bananas can become a snack that’s playful and delicious snack.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Banana pudding meets cheesecake in a dessert that’s creamy, smooth, and easy to make. A vanilla wafer crust adds a light crunch that pairs perfectly with the banana filling. Bake one and see how bananas can turn a classic dessert into something even better.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Easy Banana Caramel Cake
Ripe bananas, boxed cake mix, and caramel sauce bake into a moist, tender cake that tastes homemade with very little effort. The flavor is sweet, soft, and ready without much fuss. Make a cake and see how bananas can turn a simple mix into a treat worth sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Caramel Cake
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Cocoa powder and chocolate chips combine with ripe bananas to make a loaf that’s soft, rich, and deeply flavorful. It’s simple to bake and always comes out moist, perfect for dessert or a snack. Slice a loaf and see how bananas can make chocolate recipes even better.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Buttermilk Banana Cake
Moist banana cake topped with a thin cream cheese glaze makes a dessert that’s sweet without being heavy. The glaze adds smoothness that brings it all together perfectly. Bake a cake and see how bananas can turn simple recipes into a classic treat.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake
Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Muffins
Ripe bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips make muffins that are soft, rich, and full of flavor. The batter mixes quickly and stays moist even after cooling. Bake a batch and see how bananas and peanut butter can create a snack everyone will want again.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Muffins