35 Best Recipes for Ripe Bananas

It’s such a bummer when bananas start to turn brown and mushy before you get to eat them. But don’t throw them away just yet!

Instead, try these insanely flavorful recipes for ripe bananas.

Ripe, and even overripe bananas make the perfect baking ingredient. In fact, the blacker the peel, the better it is!

It makes banana bread, cakes, and other baked treats moist and so much sweeter. 

Don’t waste ripe bananas ever again! With these 35 recipes, you can give your aging fruit a new purpose. They’re so good, you’ll go bananas! 

35 Easy Ways to Use Up Ripe Bananas

1. Banana Pancakes 

Give your regular pancakes a fun and fruity twist! 

They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with ripe bananas. These pancakes have bananas in the batter itself. Yum.

Top with butter, maple syrup, blueberries, and even more ripe bananas, for a hearty breakfast the whole family will love.

2. Banana Ice Cream

What a perfect summer treat! This banana ice cream may be decadent, but it’s secretly healthy.

Freeze those mashed bananas to make the most luscious and velvety dessert!

Want chocolate, peanut butter, cookies ‘n cream, or pina colada ice cream? This recipe has it all, so take your pick.

3. Banana Bread

This classic banana bread is tender and moist with a crisp cinnamon crumble on top.

I’ve made lots of banana bread loaves in the past, and I must say, this is one of the best banana recipes I’ve tried. It’s love at first bite!

Have a slice of warm banana bread with your favorite cup of coffee for a hearty, breakfast for the whole family.

4. Banana Muffins

These banana muffins are fluffy and tender. They’re my favorite breakfast on the go! 

And as a quick bread, these muffins are quick and easy to make. You’re done in under 30 minutes. 

It’s not magic, it’s Bisquick. The handy-dandy baking mix never disappoints. I’ve used it several times to trick my friends into thinking I’m a baking pro.

5. Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

Double the chocolate, double the fun! 

Loaded with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, these muffins are an explosion of flavors.

This quick bread is a breeze to make, too, making it a perfect breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack.

6. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins 

If you’re looking for something hearty and decadent for breakfast, look no further. We have a winner!

These easy banana chocolate chip muffins are both fruity and chocolate-y. They’re some of the best banana muffins I’ve had.

They’re freezer-friendly, too! Make a large batch, freeze, and reheat!

7. Banana Cake

This moist cake is phenomenal. So sweet and tender!

The cake recipe makes a dense cake that’s light at the same time. It’s made even better with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting.

The balance of tastes is nothing short of amazing.

8. Bananas Foster

Want something exciting to do with your bananas? Well, bananas foster it is! 

This sinful treat is made of sweet ripe bananas spiked with a buttery rum sauce.

With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, the dessert is impossible to resist. I dare you to try!

9. Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas

This recipe may be simple, but it’s pure genius!

Just pan-fry bananas in cinnamon and sugar for the most drool-worthy dessert. These guys are heaven in a bite.

Eat them on their own, with a scoop of ice cream, or on top of French toast or pancakes. Delightful.

10. Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Here’s a simple 5-minute breakfast sure to make your mouth water. Who says healthy banana recipes can’t taste amazing?

This breakfast smoothie features the iconic combo of peanut butter and bananas. No one can resist this sweet and creamy breakfast treat!

For an extra dose of fiber and protein, throw in some chia seeds.

11. Strawberry Banana Smoothie

If you’re looking for more healthy banana recipes, this one won’t disappoint.

Strawberries and bananas together make a beautiful flavor harmony. That’s why I love these two fruits in my smoothie!

In this classic recipe, you can have the creamiest, tastiest smoothie with just 4 ingredients.

Again, if you have them on hand, add a tablespoon of chia seeds for a healthier, protein rich drink.

12. Chocolate Banana Smoothie 

Minimal effort, maximum flavor: that’s what this chocolate banana smoothie is all about.

Chocolate, peanut butter, and banana. All those lovely tastes in one smoothie? Sign me up.

It’s not just rich in flavor and protein, but it also couldn’t be easier to make. All you need for this healthy treat are 6 ingredients and 5 minutes.

13. Banana Cookies

Tired of banana bread? Make banana cookies instead!

Tender and loaded with walnuts, these cookies are incredibly addictive. They’ll disappear so fast, it’ll be like they never existed!

As an added bonus, they’re also healthy and rich in protein.

They come together in no time, too! These crisp and tender cookies bake for only 15 to 20 minutes. 

14. Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Here’s a recipe that will surely impress. Soft and sweet cookies with bananas and chocolate chips… it’s a masterpiece!

You can’t go wrong with these cookies. They’re sweet, fruity, and chocolatey. Get in my belly, already!

15. Banana Cream Pie

Indulge yourself with this sweet and decadent homemade pie. Buttery crust loaded with bananas, custard, and whipped cream.

It’s everything you can ask for in a dessert!

16. Hummingbird Cake

Ever heard of the hummingbird cake? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat!

This Southern layer cake recipe combines flavors of bananas, pineapple, and warm spices, plus toasted pecans and a cream cheese frosting. 

Imagine all those flavors and textures in one dessert! Like a cross between a butter cookie and a pina colada, it’s a moist cake that’s sinful and heavenly.

17. Banana Cream Icebox Cake

In need of a cake, but can’t bake to save your life? This banana cream icebox cake is the solution.

With layers of graham crackers, sliced bananas, pudding, and whipped cream, this dessert will absolutely knock your socks off. Plus, it’s a cinch to make.

Just arrange all the layers, refrigerate, and you’re done. Serve it to your friends, and in just seconds, poof, it’ll be gone!

18. Banana Pudding

This banana pudding has layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. It’s a simple dessert with perfect flavors.

All you need are 7 simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time! It’s the most effortless way to impress your friends.

19. Banana Bread French Toast

This recipe combines the goodness of two dynamite dishes for an explosion of flavor.

Use slices of banana bread to make a sweet and fruity French toast. It’s so simple, it’s genius! 

20. Banana Breakfast Bars

These bars will give you all the nourishment you need in the morning. They’re the breakfast of champions!

There’s no need to head to the bakery for fresh banana breakfast bars. They’re so easy to make at home!

You can have your favorite treats at a fraction of the cost!

21. Banana Bread Coffee Cake

Bananas plus coffee make the most delicious cake. This flavor combo truly hits the spot.

It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, and even dessert. With how good this banana bread coffee cake is, you’ll definitely crave it for days.

22. Banana Bundt Cake 

Tender and moist cake loaded with chopped pecans and topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Ahh… that’s the stuff. 

If you think this gorgeous cake requires expert baking skills, you are mistaken, my friend. It’s so easy, anyone can whip this up!

23. Banana Brownies

Peanut butter, mashed banana, and chocolate together in one brownie? Count me in!

Time to put a fun and creative spin on the classic. Combining the goodness of three yummy ingredients, these brownies are the bomb! They’re fudgy and chewy, too. 

They’re darn quick and easy to make, too. With these brownies, you can’t ask for more.

24. Banana Chocolate Cake 

A cake that only requires 6 ingredients? You must think I’m crazy!

I’m not, though. This banana chocolate cake only calls for cake mix, oil, eggs, overripe bananas, and chocolate chips. That’s it!

If you’re looking for an impressive dessert that comes together in no time, this is it. It may be a simple recipe, but it makes a perfectly tender, moist, and delicious cake.

25. Vegan Banana Bread

For a healthy banana bread recipe, try this vegan banana bread recipe with whole wheat flour and almond milk. 

In less than an hour,  you’ll have warm banana bread perfect for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. 

It’s one of the best banana bread recipes out there, so you’re in good hands. 

26. Blueberry Banana Bread

Get ready for a berry delicious treat with this blueberry banana bread recipe. 

This warm banana bread is packed with rich flavors from eggs & yogurt and sweetness from bananas. 

And let’s not forget the star of the show: juicy blueberries that add a burst of flavor to every bite. 

Want a fun twist on the classic banana bread? This one’s a must-try.

27. Banana Oatmeal Overnight Oats

Tired of the same old boring breakfast routine? Then it’s time to mix things up with these delicious and nutritious banana oatmeal overnight oats! 

Loaded with rolled oats, chia seeds, bananas, peanut or almond butter, & almond milk, this recipe is a game-changer. 

It’s delicious, easy to make, and packed with healthy, protein rich ingredients that’ll keep you feeling full all morning long. 

28. Vegan Banana Muffins

Looking for healthy banana recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? These vegan banana muffins are the perfect treat! 

Made with whole wheat flour, almond milk, and brown sugar, they’re a wholesome alternative to traditional muffins. 

And with their irresistible combination of chocolate chips and walnuts, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little indulgence.

29. No-Bake Banana Cream Cheesecake

Say hello to this no-bake banana cream cheesecake for a sweet and creamy dessert that requires zero baking effort. 

With its rich banana flavor and velvety texture, it’s the perfect treat for anyone who craves something indulgent. 

It comes topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer sweetened with sugar, making it the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for baking skills. 

30. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Are you a fan of the delicious combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana? You’re in for a treat! 

Made with two banana rounds filled with peanut butter and then dipped in rich chocolate, these bites are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth.

As a bonus, these bites are loaded with protein and nutrients, giving you the energy boost to conquer your day.

31. Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread

Calling all chocolate lovers! Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of this vegan chocolate bread. 

Made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, mashed bananas, and brown sugar, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any of the guilt. 

And with its moist and fudgy texture, this bread is sure to become your go-to treat for any time of the day. 

32. Banana Split

How about a banana split for an indulgent dessert? 

This dessert isn’t only delicious but also versatile.

Top it off with pineapple sauce, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries – let your imagination run wild! 

Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself, a banana split is a classic dessert that never goes out of style.

33. Patti Labelle Banana Pudding

Get ready for a taste of southern heaven with Patti LaBelle’s famous banana pudding recipe. This dessert features layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and vanilla pudding that’ll leave your taste buds in pure bliss. 

You can even add a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle some extra vanilla wafers on top for that extra oomph. 

34. Banana Pudding Cookies

Take your cookie game to the next level with these unique and delicious banana cookies. 

Made with instant banana pudding, brown sugar, and white chocolate chips, these cookies are a true indulgence. 

They’re topped with crushed vanilla wafers, adding the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch. 

Prepare to be amazed!

35. Banana Cupcakes 

These cupcakes are made with fresh, ripe bananas and baked to perfection, resulting in a moist texture that almost melts in your mouth. 

And the cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that will have you licking the bowl clean.