One of the most arguably versatile ingredients in your kitchen is probably an unexpected one. In fact, you could say its versatility alone is, well, bananas. 😉 While often thought of as a great grab-and-go snack, or the perfect addition to a bowl of corn flakes, bananas are not only a sweet, healthy, and delicious ingredient to use in a variety of different recipes, but there are also so many genius ways to use them. In this post, I’ll be sharing 5+ genius ways to use ripe bananas, so you’ll never run out of ways to use those spotty, delicious fruits!
What’s so special about ripe bananas?
When it comes to bananas, in my opinion, the spottier, the better. If you’ve ever paid close attention to bananas, you’ll notice that some are bright yellow without a single spot in sight, while others are covered in brown spots. While they may not be the prettiest bananas in the bunch, the ones with the spots are arguably the best. Why is that? Because they are extra sweet!
As bananas get riper, and therefore get sweeter, they tend to turn brown in color. The more brown spots, the sweeter the banana. And in my opinion, the more delicious!
If you’ve ever let a banana sit on the counter for just a little too long, or have ended up with only a ripe bunch, then this post is for you. All of the recipes in this post are perfect for using ripe bananas in, and taste absolutely delicious!
01. The Most Delicious Banana Pancakes
If there’s one recipe that is quintessential to breakfast time, it’s pancakes. And when it comes to pancakes, I don’t play around! These spinach banana blender pancakes are not only packed with nutrients and are naturally gluten-free, but they taste perfectly sweet and delicious. This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike, and the green color makes them so fun!
02. The Dreamiest Banana Bread Recipe EVER
Of course, the go-to way to use your ripe bananas is in sweet and delicious banana bread. And while there are a million banana bread recipes out there, this Chocolate Cinnamon Banana Bread is hands-down one of my favorites. Not only does it have that sweet banana bread taste that you know and love, but the sweet chocolate mixes perfectly with the ripe bananas, making it a match made in heaven!
03. A Fun Twist on Dairy-Free Milk
If you’ve never tried banana milk, then friends, you are missing OUT! This sweet, creamy, delicious milk is not only yummy on its own, but it’s perfect to use in coffee, tea, smoothies, or anywhere where you desire a touch of sweetness!
04. Banana Cupcakes to Make All of Your Birthday Dreams Come True
Double. Fudge. Banana. Cupcakes. Need I say more?! These fluffy cupcakes are not only completely GRAIN-FREE, but they also taste like the chocolate cupcakes that you know and love from your childhood! Plus, the banana makes them so fluffy, you’d have no idea that there’s no gluten in them!
05. A Smoothie So Delicious, it Tastes Like a Milkshake
If you’ve ever wished that your morning chocolate protein shake would taste more like… well, a milkshake, then this recipe is for YOU! Not only is this recipe rich and chocolate-y- in fact, it also happens to taste just like a liquid chocolate cookie- but it gets its sweetness from, you guessed it, ripe bananas! Yum!
06. Gut-Healthy Mini Muffins? I think YES!
And if having a delicious breakfast pastry that also supports your gut health is the name of your game, then you are absolutely going to love this recipe! These MINI muffins are adorable, kid-friendly, and are loaded with particularly gut-health ingredients, including bananas! Banana and chocolate are a perfect pairing, and in these muffins? It doesn’t get any better than that!
If you decide to make any of these recipes, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx
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