5+ Genius Ways to Use Ripe Bananas

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!

1) The Best Spinach Banana Blender Pancakes

If you are looking for a new breakfast recipe, these Spinach Banana Blender Pancakes are going to blow your mind – you can't taste the spinach, but you get allll the spinach benefits. They are lightly sweetened with banana and a touch of maple syrup. They are super kid friendly, too – what kid wouldn't get excited about getting green pancakes? I love topping mine with fresh berries and almond butter, but the world is your oyster. Enjoy any way that you like!

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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!

2) Chocolate Cinnamon Banana Bread

Welcome to your classic banana bread recipe, but with a twist; this Chocolate Cinnamon Banana Bread is an automatic household favorite! Sweet bananas mixed with cinnamon and a little bit of sweet chocolate makes for a delicious treat that all will enjoy! 

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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!

3) Creamy Banana Milk

If you have overripe bananas but don't feel like making banana bread, then have no fear, because your new favorite way to use bananas is here! My Creamy Banana Milk is a delicious, creamy, naturally-sweetened drink that is perfect to add to your smoothies, cereal, or even your morning coffee. Don't knock it until you try it – make this simple and easy recipe and see how delicious banana milk can be!

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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!

4) Paleo Double Fudge Banana Cupcakes

Not only are these Paleo Double Fudge Banana Cupcakes so incredibly delicious, the best part is that they are beyond easy to make. All you have to do is throw the ingredients in a blender and boom! They also happen to be gluten-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly, and a vegan option too!

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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!

5) Chocolate Cookie Milkshake Smoothie

A smoothie that tastes like a chocolate cookie?! Sign me up! My Chocolate Cookie Milkshake Smoothie was inspired by the Sami Clarke x Erewhon Form Fuel Smoothie, but made with simple, easy, delicious ingredients that are the fraction of a price of the one smoothie! Make this recipe for breakfast, lunch, or anytime that you are craving a delicious chocolate-y drink. I promise, you won't regret it!

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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!

6) Gut-Healthy Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Muffins

Is there anything that's cuter than mini muffins?! I can think of one thing… gut-healthy mini muffins. My Gut-Healthy Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Muffins are my newest (and cutest!) recipe that's made especially for kids, but with busy parents in-mind. As a busy parent, I understand how difficult it can be to make sure that our kids are eating healthy, which is why I made this quick and easy recipe with bushy parents in-mind. Plus, this recipe is not only loaded with gut-healthy ingredients, but also happens to be gluten-free and vegan-friendly as well!

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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