Recipes with Ripe Bananas That Are Too Good to Let Go to Waste
Ripe banana recipes are one of my favorite ways to turn a few spotted bananas into something everyone in the family will actually be excited to eat!
If you’re staring at a bunch of overripe bananas and wondering what to do with them, you’re going to want to check out these family friendly recipes that are anything but boring.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy banana bread, fluffy muffins, or a fun twist like banana pancakes or smoothies, ripe banana recipes are the ultimate solution for reducing food waste and whipping up a treat your whole crew will love.
They’re sweet, naturally flavorful, and super versatile — you can keep things classic or get a little creative in the kitchen.
Plus, most of these recipes come together with pantry staples you already have on hand, making them perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend mornings.
Keep reading for delicious ideas that’ll have you looking forward to your bananas getting brown!
What can I do with too many ripe bananas?
- Use them in muffin recipes, bread, or cake for classic baked treats
- Blend into smoothies for a creamy, naturally sweet drink
- Make simple cookie recipes with just a few ingredients
- Dip and freeze for easy chocolate-covered pops
- Stir into creamy desserts like pudding or ice cream
Tips for Making Recipes Using Ripe Bananas
- The riper, the better – The darker the skin, the sweeter and softer the fruit inside, which is perfect for baking and blending.
- Mash well for smooth texture – Especially important in breads, muffins, or cakes.
- No eggs? No problem – Mashed fruit can act as a natural egg replacer in some baked goods.
- Freeze extras – Slice and freeze for smoothies, or mash and freeze in portions for baking later.
- Use with pantry staples – Most recipes just need flour, sugar, eggs, and a little oil or butter.
- Pair with bold flavors – Chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla go especially well.
Can you freeze overripe bananas?
Yes! Just peel them first and freeze them whole, sliced, or mashed depending on how you plan to use them. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll keep for up to 3–6 months. They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or creamy frozen treats!
How ripe is too ripe?
As long as there’s no mold or bad odor, soft and spotty is ideal—even if the outside looks dark.
How do I make bananas ripen faster?
Place them in a paper bag with an apple or store them in a warm spot. The ethylene gas helps speed things up.
Baking Troubleshooting Guide
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 1Lb Loaf Pan – Storm BlueAmazon Basics Nonstick Round Muffin Baking Pan, 12 Cups, Set of 2, Gray, 13.9×10.55×1.22Bake Choice Non-stick 200pcs Standard Cupcake Liners for Baking, Natural, Food-grade Cupcake Wrapper, Greaseproof Parchment Muffin Liners
What recipes can you make with ripe bananas?
1
Banana Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
This moist and fluffy Bundt cake is loaded with rich chocolate chips and sweet, ripe fruit in every bite. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something easy yet impressive.
Check out this recipe
2
Easy No Bake Mini Banana Pudding Cups
These no-bake pudding cups are layered with creamy goodness and just the right amount of crunch. A fun and simple treat that’s great for parties or easy weeknight desserts!
Check out this recipe
3
Easy Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Cupcakes meet creamy pie in this fun twist on a classic dessert. Each bite is filled with banana flavor, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and totally irresistible.
Check out this recipe
4
Banana Pudding Ice Cream
No ice cream maker? No problem! This easy no-churn recipe gives you all the classic pudding flavor in cool, creamy scoopable form.
Check out this recipe
5
Banana Nut Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are packed with toasty nuts and naturally sweet flavor, making them a cozy breakfast favorite. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for lazy weekend mornings or brunch with the fam.
Check out this recipe
6
Strawberry Banana Muffins
Juicy strawberries and sweet, ripe fruit come together in these soft and tender muffins. They’re a fun, fruity twist on the classic and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes!
Check out this recipe
7
Banana Nut Muffins
Soft, fluffy, and packed with crunchy nuts, these muffins are a cozy way to use up ripe fruit. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up!
Check out this recipe
8
www.mommalew.com
Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
Just like grandma used to make, this creamy layered dessert is a nostalgic favorite. It’s full of rich vanilla pudding, cookies, and sweet banana slices.
Check out this recipe
9
savingdollarsandsense.com
Banana Nutella Ice Cream Recipe
This dreamy combo of ripe fruit and Nutella creates a rich, velvety ice cream that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. No churning required!
Check out this recipe
10
confessionsofanover-workedmom.com
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe
Creamy, satisfying, and ready when you wake up—these oats are perfect for busy mornings. The peanut butter and banana combo adds just the right sweetness.
Check out this recipe
11
www.snackinginsneakers.com
Peanut Butter Banana Granola (No Added Sugar and No Oil!)
This homemade granola is crunchy, naturally sweet, and completely free from added sugar or oil. Perfect for snacking or sprinkling over yogurt!
Check out this recipe
12
www.spabettie.com
Peanut Butter Banana Fruit Roll | vegan
Skip the store-bought version and make your own fruity, chewy snack at home. These rolls are vegan, naturally sweetened, and totally kid-approved.
Check out this recipe
13
www.pumpkinnspice.com
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Meal prep just got tastier with these hearty oatmeal cups. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and packed with peanut butter flavor in every bite.
Check out this recipe
14
brooklynactivemama.com
Healthy Blueberry Banana Oat Smoothie Recipe
This vibrant smoothie is loaded with antioxidants and naturally sweetened with ripe fruit. A refreshing, healthy option for breakfast or post-workout fuel.
Check out this recipe
15
brooklynactivemama.com
Easy Banana Pecan Bread
Toasty pecans and sweet banana come together in this comforting quick bread. It’s soft, nutty, and makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.
Check out this recipe
16
www.familiesmagazine.com.au
Guilt-free Frozen Banana Ice Cream
Just one ingredient turns into a creamy frozen treat that feels indulgent but is totally healthy. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Check out this recipe
17
www.theflavorbender.com
Easy Brown Butter Baked Bananas Foster
This shortcut twist on a classic dessert brings caramelized, buttery flavor to your ripe fruit in minutes. Serve it warm over ice cream for a next-level treat.
Check out this recipe
18
www.theflavorbender.com
Classic Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)
This go-to loaf is everything you want in a banana bread—moist, sweet, and simple to make. Perfect for using up overripe fruit and sharing with family.
Check out this recipe
19
honestandtruly.com
Frosted Banana Bars: A delicious and unique way to use overripe bananas
These soft dessert bars are topped with a luscious frosting and packed with flavor. A fun and delicious way to use up those ripe leftovers!
Check out this recipe
20
mamalovestocook.com
No Bake Banana Cheesecake
This creamy, dreamy cheesecake has all the banana flavor without ever turning on the oven. A perfect chilled dessert for warm days or easy entertaining.
Check out this recipe
21
joyfoodsunshine.com
Best Banana Cake Recipe (Easy + Video)
Moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Watch the video and see how easy it is to make from scratch!
Check out this recipe
22
thebellyrulesthemind.net
Instant Pot Banana Bread
No need to heat the oven—this easy Instant Pot version comes out moist and delicious every time. Perfect for busy days when you want a quick treat.
Check out this recipe
23
crayonsandcravings.com
Banana Blueberry Breakfast Cookie Recipe
These soft-baked cookies are loaded with wholesome oats, sweet blueberries, and natural sweetness. A feel-good breakfast or snack the whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
24
swirlsofflavor.com
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
Turn ripe fruit and day-old bread into a warm, rich dessert with pockets of melty chocolate. Comfort food at its finest!
Check out this recipe
25
thegingeredwhisk.com
Kid Friendly Easy Bananas Foster Recipe
This fun and simple dessert skips the booze but keeps the flavor. A safe and tasty way to serve up a classic favorite the whole family can enjoy.
Check out this recipe
26
thriftyjinxy.com
No Bake Banana Split Cake Recipe
All the flavors of a banana split layered into a no-bake cake! It’s fruity, creamy, and perfect for potlucks or summer parties.
Check out this recipe
Thank you for featuring my Chocolate Banana Snack Cake! <3 It looks like a wonderful roundup!!
these look awesome, great way to start off 2017!
Yummy!! his is such a great list of things to make with ripe bananas! Everything looks so good! I will definitely be using this as a reference, we always have bananas on hand. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
i can not cook but i have hosue keeper who make me bannna bread
Awsesome! Always looking for great banana recipes!! 🙂
Everything looks so good! I will definitely be using this as a reference, we always have bananas on hand