10+ Banana Recipes to Brighten Your Snack Time

Bananas are a popular fruit many people enjoy. They ripen quickly and can be used in many ways beyond just eating them plain.

When your bananas get soft and sweet, that’s a great time to use them in different recipes.

You can turn ripe bananas into delicious treats that are easy to make at home. Whether you like baked goods or simple snacks, there are many ways to enjoy bananas in your cooking.

This article will help you find some tasty ideas to use up your bananas before they go bad.

1) Classic Moist Banana Bread

Classic banana bread is simple and tasty. It uses ripe bananas, butter, eggs, and brown sugar to keep the bread moist and full of flavor.

This bread is soft on the inside with a gentle sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

You don’t need fancy equipment. Mix everything in one bowl and pour it into a loaf pan.

Add nuts or chocolate chips if you want to try something different.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a loaf pan.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
5. Stir in mashed bananas.
6. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing gently.
8. Pour batter into the pan.
9. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool before slicing.

For more details, check a classic banana bread recipe.

2) Vegan Banana Pancakes

Vegan banana pancakes are a sweet breakfast without eggs or dairy. You only need a few simple ingredients like ripe bananas, plant-based milk, and flour.

The mashed banana helps bind the batter and adds natural sweetness. These pancakes turn out soft and fluffy.

You can make the batter in one bowl. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining.

Cook them on a non-stick pan to keep them from sticking and make flipping easy.

Add a little vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
2. Add the plant milk, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently.
5. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
6. Pour batter to form pancakes and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

For more vegan banana pancake tips, visit Nora Cooks.

3) Banana Nut Muffins

Banana nut muffins are a tasty way to use ripe bananas. They are soft and have a nice crunch from nuts like walnuts or pecans.

You can enjoy them plain or add chocolate chips if you like. These muffins don’t require a mixer and are quick to make.

Just mix the ingredients, pour the batter into a pan, and bake. Use overripe bananas for the best taste.

The nuts add texture and extra flavor. These muffins are great for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in the sugar, egg, and oil.
4. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in the nuts gently.
6. Spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before enjoying your muffins.

For more details, check this banana nut muffins recipe.

4) Gluten-Free Banana Bars

Gluten-free banana bars are a tasty way to enjoy bananas without wheat. They are soft, sweet, and perfect for a quick snack or dessert.

You can add a simple frosting to make them extra special. These bars are easy to make using ripe bananas and gluten-free flour.

You can also use almond flour or peanut butter for extra flavor and moisture.

These bars don’t require fancy ingredients. They come together fast and bake into a moist treat your whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup melted vegan butter or regular butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Add melted butter and stir well.
4. Combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt; fold into wet mix.
5. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
6. Let cool before slicing and serving.

More details are available on Gluten Free Banana Bread Bars.

5) Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie

If you want a quick, tasty snack, try a banana and peanut butter smoothie. It’s creamy and filling, with just the right amount of sweetness.

You can make it in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. Using frozen bananas makes the smoothie cold and thick.

Peanut butter adds protein, which helps keep you full longer. Use milk or your favorite milk alternative to blend it all together smoothly.

You can also add a little honey or vanilla for extra flavor. It’s easy and quick to enjoy anywhere.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the banana, then freeze it.
2. Put the frozen banana, peanut butter, and milk in a blender.
3. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth.
4. Taste, and add honey if you want it sweeter. Blend again briefly.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.

6) Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Banana oatmeal cookies are a simple and healthy treat. They use ripe bananas to add natural sweetness, so you don’t need extra sugar.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to give them a little crunch.

With just a few ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare. They are also gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Try this easy recipe to enjoy a wholesome and tasty cookie.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in the oats and walnuts.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and firm.
6. Let cool before eating.

For more details, check out this banana oatmeal cookies recipe.

7) Banana Walnut Loaf

Enjoy the soft texture and nutty flavor of this banana walnut loaf. It is moist and packed with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts.

This loaf works great for breakfast or as a snack. The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have at home.

Mash bananas, then mix in melted butter, sugar, and an egg. Add baking soda, flour, and chopped walnuts for a nice crunch.

Bake the loaf at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.

Serve it plain or with a little butter.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas with melted butter.
3. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Add baking soda and salt; mix well.
5. Fold in flour and walnuts until just combined.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before slicing.

8) No-Bake Banana Pudding

No-bake banana pudding is an easy and tasty dessert you can make quickly. You don’t need an oven, just simple ingredients like vanilla pudding mix, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers.

Layer the pudding, bananas, and wafers in a dish. Chill it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors mix.

You can also add whipped topping to make it creamy and light. This dessert is great for gatherings or a simple treat at home.

Everyone will enjoy the smooth pudding combined with crunchy wafers and fresh bananas.

Ingredients

• Vanilla instant pudding mix
• Milk
• Sliced ripe bananas
• Vanilla wafers
• Whipped topping (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the vanilla pudding mix with milk as the package directs.

2. In a dish, add a layer of pudding.

3. Add a layer of vanilla wafers.

4. Add a layer of sliced bananas.

5. Repeat the layers until the dish is full.

6. Top with whipped topping if you like.

7. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.

You can find similar recipes with easy instructions here.

9) Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles

Banana chocolate chip waffles make a tasty breakfast. They are soft inside with a crisp outside.

Bananas add natural sweetness, so you don’t need much sugar. You can make the batter quickly by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and a ripe banana.

Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite. Serve these waffles with syrup, berries, or peanut butter.

They cook in about 4-5 minutes in a preheated waffle iron. Make sure your waffle maker is hot before you pour in the batter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 – 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and mashed banana.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

5. Fold in chocolate chips.

6. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron.

7. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

For more details, check out this banana chocolate chip waffles recipe.

10) Apple Sauce and Banana Cake

This Apple Sauce and Banana Cake is a simple treat to make when your bananas are very ripe. The applesauce adds sweetness and keeps the cake soft.

You can enjoy it as a snack or dessert. The banana and applesauce give it a gentle fruity flavor.

This cake is quick to bake. Using applesauce means you need less oil or butter, so the cake is lighter.

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
3. Add sugars, applesauce, water, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
8. Let the loaf cool before slicing.

Try this apple sauce banana cake recipe for a tasty way to use your bananas.