Today I’m here with 15 ways to use old bananas for new recipes. Yep, that’s right, so if you have overripe bananas at home, don’t throw them away just yet; you can make the most delicious and healthy snacks everyone can enjoy.
Believe it or not, brown and soggy bananas with black peels are not rotten; they can still be consumed. Although it may not be a good idea to peel an old banana and eat it because of its mushy texture and pungent smell, you can always use the fruit as a core ingredient for other dishes.
That’s why I thought I would give you 15 ideas on what to do with those old bananas that are filled with iron, sugar, and other nutrients.
1. Banana Waffles
What could be better than the smell of homemade freshly baked banana waffles at breakfast? Oh yes, and the best part is that you don’t need fresh bananas for this recipe, just peel those old bananas, mash them up, and add them to the batter. This is a sugar-free recipe, as the bananas provide enough sweetness and moisture for the waffles to taste better than ever.
Ingredients
3 peeled and mashed overripe bananas
3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
6 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons coconut flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Toasted pecans, raspberries, and raw honey for serving
Kitchen Tools Needed
1. A mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Waffle iron
5. Measuring spoons and cups
How To Make Banana Waffles
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serving; 4 waffles
1.In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the coconut oil, eggs, bananas, and vanilla extract and combine well.
2. Now add all the dry ingredients that include baking powder, salt, coconut flour, and cinnamon, into the bowl and mix well so that there are no lumps in the batter.
3. Prepare the waffle iron by brushing coconut oil on both sides and keeping it on medium-high heat.
4. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook for 10 minutes until the waffles are crispy and golden brown.
5. If you want to keep the waffles warm, then put them in an oven with a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Serve the waffles with cut-up pecans, raspberries, and honey.
2. Buttermilk Banana Pancakes with Coconut Maple Syrup
The combination of buttermilk pancakes with coconut maple syrup is heavenly. The old bananas give the pancakes extra sweetness and moistness. Not to mention, adding buttermilk to the batter makes the pancakes different, fluffy, and soft.
Ingredients
⅓ cup mashed banana
1 medium-sized banana sliced
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Whipped cream/ almonds/ pecans/ toasted coconut can be used as a garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.A large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons and cups
3. Whisk
4. Griddle/pan
5. Spatula
How To Make Buttermilk Banana Pancakes With Coconut Maple Syrup
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 -12 pancakes
1.Preheat the electric griddle to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, if you decide to make the pancakes on the stovetop, then heat the pan when the batter is ready.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together baking powder, flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, place together the eggs, mashed banana, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything well until combined. Now add the mixture of the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk well.
4. Spray the pre-heated griddle/ pan with nonstick cooking spray and pour in the batter. Since the batter is thick in texture, slightly spread it out with a spatula.
5. Those of you who love bananas can add 3-4 slices on top of each pancake. Then start cooking the pancakes; when they are brown on one side, flip them with a spatula and cook until the other side is done.
6. For the coconut maple syrup, you need to boil it in the microwave or stove and then slowly add the coconut extract and stir so that it combines well.
7. Wala! Your buttermilk banana pancakes are ready to be served with nuts, whipped cream, and the coconut maple syrup you made.
3. Nutella And Banana Triangles
Since my son does not like bananas one bit, I often make these Nutella and banana triangles which he loves to eat. The delicious hazelnut taste of Nutella hides the smell and flavor of bananas, which is why my son has no idea that the snack is incorporated with bananas. Follow my recipe to make this ravishing snack which the kids will enjoy eating!
Ingredients
2 mashed bananas
2 tablespoons milk
2 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
8 teaspoons Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread
2 teaspoons brown sugar
icing sugar (for dusting)
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons
2. Mixing bowl
3. Sharp knife
4. Fork
5. Sifter
6. Baking paper
How To Make Nutella And Banana Triangles
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a tray, place a sheet of baking paper and keep aside.
2. Mix the bananas with brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. Take both of the pastry puff sheets and cut them into four squares. Altogether there will be eight squares.
4. Fill up the center of each square with a tablespoon of the banana mixture and a teaspoon of Nutella.
5. Now fold the corners so each square transforms into a triangle, and seal the edges by pressing them down with a fork.
6. Brush the triangles with milk.
7. Take a sharp knife and poke the triangles so there is a vent for steam.
8. Bake the triangles for 20-25 mins.
9. After completely cold, decorate the triangles with sifted icing sugar.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Semifreddo
The Italian dessert Peanut butter banana semifreddo resembles the texture of frozen mousse. The word semifreddo actually means ‘half froze.’ The dessert is made with peanut butter, but it isn’t as frozen and hard as ice cream. In fact, it’s more like eating semi-frozen peanut butter mousse with bananas. The recipe is the perfect way to utilize those old bananas on a hot summer’s day.
Ingredients
For the crust:
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
5 graham cracker sheets
1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
Nonstick cooking spray
For the Ice Cream:
1 ripe banana, pureed
8 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur
3/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons and cups.
2. Metal loaf pan
3. Plastic wrap
4. Food processor
5. Mixing bowls
6. Whisk
7. Saucepan
8. Whisk
How To Make Peanut Butter Banana Semifreddo
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
1.To prepare the crust, cover the metal loaf pan with plastic wrap and cooking spray. Make sure the wrap is overhung by 2 inches on all sides.
2. In a food processor, grind the graham crackers and peanuts until you get a powdery texture, then mix in the pulse and melted butter until combined well.
3. Now spread the mixture on the meatloaf pan and refrigerate.
4. For the ice cream in a saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a simmer over medium heat. Afterward, fill a bowl with ice water and keep it aside.
5. Take a metal bowl and whisk in the banana puree, egg yolks, salt, ½ cup sugar, and hazelnut liqueur.
6. Put the metal bowl over the pot that contains simmering water and whisk the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens. Then transfer the metal bowl from the pot and put it into ice water to cool down.
7. With a hand mixture, beat the remaining sugar and heavy cream together until the cream is firm in texture. Afterward, add the cream mixture to the banana custard.
8. Put the peanut butter in the microwave and let it heat for 20 seconds until soft.
9. Add the peanut butter to the banana cream and mix.
10. Now spread the peanut butter and banana mixture of the pan with crust inside and use plastic wrap to cover it.
11. Freeze the mixture for approximately 9 hours until it’s firm. Then take it out of the pan with the help of the overhung plastic wraps and cut it into slices of 1 inch.
5. Banana Flapjacks
The banana flapjacks are oat bars made with apples and bananas, a healthy sugar-free snack. If you are in a rush in the mornings and don’t have time for a bowl of cornflakes, then simply have a couple of flapjacks on the way to work.
Ingredients
2 ripe mashed bananas
2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
50g butter
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 apple, peeled and grated
100g raisin
85g chopped dried apricot
250g rolled oats
85g mixed seeds
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons
2. Kitchen weighing scale
3. Mixing bowl
4. Small pan
How To Make Banana Flapjacks
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Serving: 12
1.Preheat the oven to 160°C. Then grease a 20cm square tin pan and line it with baking parchment.
2. In a small pan, heat the peanut butter, honey/maple syrup, and butter until melted.
3. Add the grated apple, mashed bananas, and 100 ml water into the small pan and mix well.
4. In a large bowl, tip in the dried food, oats, and seeds. Then pour in the apples and banana mixture and stir until combined well.
5. Transfer the mixture to the cake tin, ensuring the surface is leveled. Bake in the oven until golden brown for 55 minutes.
6. Cut the cake into 12 pieces and enjoy your banana flapjacks.
6. Banana Bars with Orange Frosting
The banana bars with orange frosting are a recipe I often follow to use those old bananas lying on my kitchen table. The bars are a bit sweet as I use sugar for the batter and orange frosting, which might be unhealthy for those with high sugar levels. Mind you. The kids love these zesty orange-flavored bars as they can’t even tell that the core ingredient is banana.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
4 large eggs
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
1-3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 tablespoons butter, softened
5 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
4-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Mixing cups and spoons.
2. Mixing bowls
3. Hand beater
4. 15x10x1-in Baking pan
5. Wire rack
How To Make Banana Bars With Orange Frosting
Preparation time:15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Beat the sugar, eggs, bananas, and oil in a large bowl until combined well.
3. Combine the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and mix well. Then slowly pour it in the blended banana and beat until mixed properly.
4. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and keep in the oven for 30 minutes.
5. Once the cake is made, transfer it onto a wire rack to let it completely cool.
6. To prepare the frosting, take a small bowl and cream together the confectioners’ sugar and butter until fluffy and light. Then pour in zest and orange juice and beat until the mixture is smooth.
7. Evenly spread the frosting over the cake and cut it into 20 bars.
7. Southern Banana Pudding
The Southern banana pudding takes a little more effort to make compared to the regular caramel—pudding we all make at home. Although you need a few extra ingredients, such as wafers and cream of tartar, the pudding is a great way to use those old bananas.
Ingredients
For the pudding batter:
3 overripe bananas
2 cups milk
2 lightly beaten egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup sugar
36 vanilla wafers
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
For the meringue:
2 large egg whites
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.8-inch square baking tin
2.Measuring spoons and cups
3. Electric beater
4. Wooden spoon for stirring
How To Make Southern Banana Pudding
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings 8
1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine sugar and flour in a large saucepan and stir in milk to make a smooth batter.
3. Stir the mixture until it’s thick on medium-high heat.
4. Now reduce the heat and stir for about 2 more minutes. Then take the saucepan off the stovetop and mix the egg yolks with a small amount of milk.
5. Put the pan back on the stovetop and continuously stir for 2 minutes until the mixture boils. Take down the saucepan and stir in vanilla and butter.
6. In the baking dish, make two layers with bananas, vanilla wafers, and the filling you have already prepared.
7. To prepare the meringue, on medium speed, beat vanilla, cream of tartar, and egg whites until soft peaks form.
8. Slowly add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time and keep beating on high until stiff peaks form.
9. Spread the mixture over the layers of filling.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the meringue turns golden, and then leave it to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
8. Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
The banana-walnut chocolate chunk cookies taste as delicious as the name sounds. Once you have the first bite, you will taste the goodness of chocolate mixed with bananas, oats, and chopped walnuts.
Ingredients
½ cup mashed overripe banana
1 large egg
¾ cup melted unsalted butter
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon coarse salt
8 ounces of semisweet chocolate
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light-brown sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons and cups
2. Mixing bowls
3. Electric mixer
4. 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop
5. Baking sheet
6. Wire rack
How To Make Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 13 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes
1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, flour, and baking soda and keep aside.
3. In another bowl, mix the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until the texture is fluffy and pale.
4. Then add vanilla mix, egg, and banana in the bowl and pour in the flour mixture. Combine all the ingredients; once the batter is smooth, slowly add the chocolate chunks, oats, and walnuts.
5. Now use the ice cream scoop to place dough 2 inches apart from one another on the baking sheets that have been prepared with parchment paper.
6. Bake the cookies for approximately 13 minutes until they turn golden brown.
7. Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool down completely.
9. Apple and Banana Bread
‘I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas’ is the song I sing while making this bread. The Apple banana bread is a family favorite, especially because of the coconut and caramel sundae topping. The bread is soft, nutritious from the two fruits, and easy to make.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
1-1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup caramel sundae syrup
2 tablespoons water
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Mixing bowls
2. Measuring spoons and cups
3. Loaf pan
4. Whisk
5. Wire rack
6. Wooden spoon
How To Make Apple And Banana Bread
Preparation time: 20 min
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving: 16 pieces
1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugars, apples, bananas, and water. Then stir in the melted butter.
3. Whisk baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour in another bowl and gradually add the banana mixture.
4. Put the batter in the greased loaf pan and bake for about an hour.
5. After it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to the wire rack for it to cool completely.
6. Now, toast the coconut in a pan by stirring it for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool.
7. Mix the toasted coconut with sea salt and caramel syrup and evenly spread it over the banana and apple bread.
8. Cut the loaf into 16 slices and enjoy freshly baked bread with the family!
10. Wholesome Hummingbird Cake
An excellent way to use old bananas is to make our wholesome hummingbird cake which requires a lot of ingredients and time. The cake has no added sugar but is rich in flavor as we use honey, yogurt, and more ingredients which you are about to find out.
Ingredients
2 large mashed overripe bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup Greek-style yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
100ml light extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
440g can of crushed pineapple in juice
1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelled flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup desiccated coconut
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup coconut sugar
Cream cheese frosting:
200g light cream cheese
3 tsp honey
1/4 cup Greek-style yogurt
1 lime
Toppings:
Lime zest
Toasted coconut flakes
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons and cups
2. Mixing bowls
3. Baking paper
4. Jug
5. Fork
6. Wooden spoon
7. Wire rack
How To Make Wholesome Hummingbird Cake
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
1.Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. With oil, grease the side and base of the springform pan and prepare with baking paper.
3. In a large bowl, combine the coconut, cinnamon, flour, bicarb, baking powder, oats, and sugar.
4. Now, in a jug, pour in the eggs, yogurt, vanilla, oil, and honey, and put everything together with a fork.
5. Add bananas, pineapple, and yogurt mixture to the large bowl with the flour batter and mix well.
6. Transfer the batter to the pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake it in the oven for approximately 45 minutes.
8. Once done, leave it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then place it on a wire rack.
9. To make the frosting add yogurt, like, cream cheese and honey, in a bowl and combine the ingredients with a wooden spoon.
10. Evenly spread frosting over the cake and decorate it with lime zest, honey, and coconut flakes.
11. Skinny Banana Cream Pie Milkshake
The skinny banana cream pie milkshake tastes like pie in liquid form. So you can imagine how unbelievably delicious and filling this drink is, which the kids will enjoy drinking. Not only does it taste good, but the milkshake looks appetizing, too, because of the whipped cream and cookie garnish that we add.
Ingredients
1/2 medium banana
8 tablespoons sugar-free, fat-free coffee creamer
1 cup nonfat milk
1 teaspoon sugar-free instant banana pudding mix
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup fat-free whipped topping
More whipped topping and a shortbread cookie for garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed
1. Measuring spoons and cups
2. Ice cube trays
3. Blender
How To Make Skinny Banana Pie Milkshake
1.Keep the coffee creamer in ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours.
2. In a blender, place the other ingredients and coffee creamer ice cubes and blend until smooth.
3. Use crumbled shortbread cookie and whipped topping to garnish the milkshake.
12. Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites
Frozen chocolate banana bites are probably the easiest recipe that can be made using old bananas. You don’t need an oven or a stove to make this frozen dessert, and most of all, you need only 3 ingredients to make these delicious chocolate-coated banana slices.
Ingredients
3–4 medium-sized ripe bananas
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 cup chocolate chips
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoon and cup
2. Baking sheet
3. Microwave-safe bowl
4. Fork and knife
How To Make Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
1.Slice bananas into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Use parchment paper to cover a baking sheet.
3. Place the banana slices on a baking sheet leaving sufficient space between them, and keep them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Take a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate on high heat, which should take about 30 seconds. Once melted, pour in the coconut oil and mix well.
5. Using a fork, dip each banana slice into the melted chocolate to coat both sides.
6. Spread the coated banana slices on the baking sheet and freeze for half an hour.
13. Banana Fritters
Mash up those old bananas and combine them with milk, flour, and other ingredients to make crispy golden brown banana fritters.
Ingredients
6 overripe bananas
1 cup fresh milk
1 egg
3/4 cups cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
One teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.A large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons and cups
3. Pan
How To Make Banana Fritters
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
1.Combine baking powder, sugar, flour, and salt in a large bowl.
2. While mixing the ingredients mentioned above, slowly add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, milk, and egg. Combine the ingredients to create a smooth texture.
4. Pour half of the oil into a pan and heat it.
5. Take half cup of the mixture and pour it into the hot oil pan. Fry until golden brown and separate the same process with the rest of the batter.
6. Sprinkle sugar on the fritters when serving.
14. Banana Bacon Peel
Eww, bananas, and bacon together must taste gross! This is probably what you are thinking now if I’m not wrong. Well, let me put you to relief because banana bacon peel has nothing to do with bacon. Keep reading to find out what this unique form of banana actually is.
Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas peels
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons
2. Knife
3. Big container
4. Non-stick pan
How To Make Banana Bacon Peel
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Marinating time: 15 minutes
Total time; 30 minutes
1.Since we use banana peel for his recipe, you have to peel both bananas and keep the insides aside for later use.
2. Now slice the peels vertically into four pieces and use a spoon to scrape out any banana.
3. In a big container, add the smoked paprika, tamari, liquid smoke, make syrup, salt and pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Put the banana peels in the marination and coat them evenly.
5. Allow the peels to marinate for 15 minutes.
6. In a non-stick pan, heat olive oil and fry each banana bacon until they are brown and crispy.
15. Chocolate Banana Muffins
Chocolate banana muffins are a healthy and delicious snack that can easily be made with old bananas. The combination of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mashed bananas with other ingredients brings out a beautiful aroma while baking in the oven. When it comes to the taste, well, you can tell us after you are done baking.
Ingredients
2 large, very ripe mashed bananas
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup canola oil
1 egg
½ cup white sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ mini semisweet chocolate chips
½ teaspoon baking soda
Kitchen Tools Needed
1.Measuring spoons and cups
2. Mixing bowl
3. Muffin tray
4. Baking paper
How To Make Chocolate Banana Muffins
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
Total time:40 minutes
Servings:12 muffins
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and fill the muffin tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together salt, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, pour in the egg, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract and whisk until the texture is smooth. Add to the large bowl containing the flour mixture and stir until moistened. Pour in chocolate chips and bananas.
4. Fill up ¾ of each muffin cup with the batter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Lastly
So that’s our 15 ways to use old bananas for new recipes, which we hope are helpful for you. I don’t know about you, but some of the recipes are a must-try, especially the skinny banana pie milkshake, which is perfect for a hot summer’s day. Besides that, you can try recipes incorporated with chocolate for your little ones who do not like eating bananas.
That’s all, folks. I will be off now while you decide which recipes are worth a shot.
