Ripe bananas don’t have to sit on the counter waiting to go bad. These 21 banana recipes are always worth going bananas for and turn soft, sweet fruit into simple, flavorful dishes anyone can make. From quick snacks to easy breakfasts and desserts that satisfy, these recipes put bananas to work in ways that save fruit and deliver taste. They’re practical, tasty ways to enjoy bananas without extra effort.

Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Banana Boats

Turn bananas into a fun dessert by splitting them and adding chocolate, marshmallows, or other toppings you like. The bananas soften as everything melts together, creating a gooey, sweet treat that’s full of flavor. This is a simple and tasty banana recipe that’s perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Banana Bread

Use overripe bananas to bake a soft, flavorful loaf that’s naturally sweet and moist. The bread works well for breakfast, snacks, or a quick dessert when you want something simple. This is an easy banana recipe that anyone can make and always turns out delicious.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread
Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches

Mash frozen bananas into creamy nice cream and sandwich it between graham crackers for a cool snack. The bananas give the filling natural sweetness and smooth texture while keeping the treat light. This is a simple banana recipe that’s perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Frosted Banana Bars

Make fluffy banana bars topped with creamy frosting for a sweet treat that’s simple to prepare. The ripe bananas keep the bars moist and naturally sweet while adding great flavor. This is a tasty banana recipe that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and is easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Nutella Banana Bread

Mix ripe bananas with Nutella to create a soft, chocolatey loaf that’s full of flavor. The bananas make it naturally sweet while keeping the bread tender and moist. This is a delicious banana recipe that anyone can make for a dessert or snack without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Banana Bread
Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Bake ripe bananas with brown sugar to create a loaf that’s rich, moist, and packed with flavor. The caramel notes from the sugar combine perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas. This is a simple banana recipe that turns basic ingredients into a tasty treat anyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Banana Bread
Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl

Blend bananas with other fruits to make a thick, colorful smoothie bowl that’s creamy and satisfying. The bananas add natural sweetness while keeping the texture smooth and filling. This is an easy banana recipe that works for breakfast or a snack when you want something quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl
Banana Chip Muffins

Mix ripe bananas with chocolate chips to bake soft, moist muffins that are full of flavor. The bananas add natural sweetness and keep the muffins tender while making them easy to prepare. This is a simple banana recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Chip Muffins
Fried Banana

Fry bananas with brown sugar for a simple dessert that’s sweet and soft. The caramelized sugar brings out the natural flavor of the bananas and creates a rich, satisfying treat. This is a quick banana recipe that works for snacks or as a topping for pancakes and other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Blend bananas, strawberries, and oats to make a creamy smoothie that’s filling and naturally sweet. The bananas make the smoothie smooth while adding flavor and sweetness without extra sugar. This is a simple banana recipe that works for breakfast or a quick snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites

Dip banana slices in frozen yogurt and freeze them with your favorite toppings for a cool snack. The bananas stay soft and sweet while the yogurt adds a creamy, tangy texture. This is a simple banana recipe that’s quick to make and perfect for grab-and-go treats.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Yogurt Banana Bites
Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Wrap bananas in lumpia wrappers and fry them for a crunchy, sweet snack that’s easy to make. The bananas soften inside while the outside turns golden and crisp. This is a tasty banana recipe that’s fun to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia
Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Make a creamy banana cheesecake inside a vanilla wafer crust for a dessert that tastes like banana pudding. The bananas add sweetness and moisture while the cheesecake stays smooth and rich. This is a simple banana recipe that works for dessert or special occasions without taking long.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Banana Almond Butter Smoothie

Blend bananas with almond butter for a creamy drink that’s sweet, rich, and full of protein. The bananas add natural sweetness while the almond butter makes it smooth and filling. This is a simple banana recipe that works for breakfast or a quick snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Banana Almond Butter Smoothie
Banana Cake Roll

Roll bananas into a light sponge cake with a sweet cream cheese filling for a dessert that looks impressive. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture while extras like pecans or dried fruit add texture. This is a tasty banana recipe that’s simple to make and works for dessert or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake Roll
Classic Banana Pudding

Layer bananas with pudding and wafers for a dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and easy to make. The bananas give flavor and softness that blend with the pudding perfectly. This is a simple banana recipe that works for snacks, dessert, or gatherings without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Banana Pudding
Banana Bread French Toast

Turn banana bread into French toast for a breakfast that’s sweet, soft, and satisfying. The bananas in the bread make it flavorful while keeping it tender on the inside. This is an easy banana recipe that works for mornings when you want a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread French Toast
Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream

Blend bananas with almond milk to make a creamy, healthy ice cream that’s naturally sweet. The bananas give smooth texture and flavor while keeping it simple and quick to make. This is a tasty banana recipe that works for dessert or a cold snack.
Get the Recipe: Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream
Banana Pudding Cookies

Mix bananas into cookie dough for soft, pudding-flavored cookies that are easy to bake. The bananas add moisture and sweetness while keeping the cookies tender and flavorful. This is a simple banana recipe that’s fun to make and works for snacks or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies
Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Muffins

Combine ripe bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for moist, flavorful muffins that everyone will enjoy. The bananas add sweetness while the peanut butter gives richness and texture. This is a tasty banana recipe that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Banana Peanut Butter Muffins
Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Bake a moist cake and fill it with banana pudding, then top it with cream and vanilla wafers. The bananas add natural sweetness and flavor to every bite while keeping the cake soft. This is a simple banana recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into a dessert everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake