7 Easy Banana Recipes: Tasty Treats You'll Love 2024

Bananas are more than just a snack or smoothie ingredient. They can transform any dish into something special with the right recipe. Whether you're looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or add a tropical twist to your cooking, these banana-based creations will do the trick.

From indulgent breakfasts to unexpected savory delights, bananas elevate any meal with a natural sweetness and welcome texture. Explore these creative banana recipes and see how this humble fruit can surprise and delight in ways you never imagined!

1. Dark Chocolate Chip & Toasted Pecan Banana Bread

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.

3. Whisk in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to blend the wet ingredients.

4. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. Add the dark chocolate chips and chopped toasted pecans, folding them evenly into the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Overview 🔍

This recipe makes for a versatile treat, perfect as a breakfast indulgence, midday snack, or satisfying dessert. The Dark Chocolate Chip & Toasted Pecan Banana Bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. The texture is moist yet fluffy, while each bite is packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.

Whether you’re serving it with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread offers a delicious balance of flavors that feels both familiar and special. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that uses simple pantry staples, making it an excellent choice when you have a few extra bananas on hand. Enjoy it fresh, or try toasting slices for an even deeper flavor experience.

2. Fragrant and Easy 15-Minute Banana Pancakes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, oat milk, vanilla extract, and melted oil, whisking until fully combined.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking just until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with a bit of oil if needed.

4. Using a ladle or small scoop, pour a small amount of batter onto the pan for each pancake, spreading it slightly to form circles.

5. Cook each pancake for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip with a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting heat if necessary to avoid burning. Serve warm.

Overview 🔍

Fragrant and Easy 15-Minute Banana Pancakes are a satisfying breakfast or dessert. These pancakes are fluffy, aromatic, and infused with warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating a comforting meal profile that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. They’re just one example of a super easy and tasty recipe.

The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the oat milk keeps it light and dairy-free, appealing to a range of dietary needs. Enjoy these pancakes as they are, or add toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra treat. Perfect for cozy mornings or whenever you need a tasty and wholesome pick-me-up!

3. Vegan Peanut Butter & Chocolate Banana Bagels

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Toast the bagels until golden and crisp. Once toasted, spread an even layer of organic peanut butter on each half.

2. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the peanut butter for added warmth and flavor.

3. Top each bagel half with banana chips, pressing them gently into the peanut butter.

4. Finish with a sprinkle of crunchy cacao nibs for texture and a hint of chocolatey richness.

5. Serve immediately, or pack up for an easy, satisfying snack on the go.

Overview 🔍

These Vegan Peanut Butter & Chocolate Banana Bagels are a nutritious, protein-packed breakfast or a quick snack that satisfies sweet cravings. Combining creamy peanut butter with crunchy banana chips and cacao nibs brings together a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and energizing.

This recipe is simple to prepare in minutes and versatile enough for customization. Try swapping in almond butter or adding fresh banana slices for a softer texture. With minimal prep, these bagels are a convenient, nutrient-dense option ideal for busy mornings or midday fuel-ups.

4. Banana & Oatmeal Squares with Chia Seeds

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.

Overview 🔍

These One-Pan Banana & Oatmeal Squares with Chia Seeds offer a nutritious, fiber-rich breakfast or snack that's simple to prepare in one bowl. The combination of bananas, oats, and chia seeds delivers a satisfying texture and a natural sweetness that makes each square a delight to eat.

Perfect for meal prepping, these squares can be made in advance and stored for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. They’re versatile, too – you can add in chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and nutrients.

5. Banana Pudding with Homemade Vanilla Wafers

Method 🧑‍🍳

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix well.

• Gradually incorporate the self-rising flour, mixing until just combined. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the wafers are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla pudding mix until thickened. Fold in the mascarpone until smooth and creamy.

• Layer the banana pudding mixture with the homemade vanilla wafers and freeze-dried bananas in jars or a large trifle dish. Repeat the layers until the jars are filled.

• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your delicious banana pudding!

Overview 🔍

This Banana Pudding recipe brings an elevated twist to a beloved classic dessert, perfect for all ages. The fluffy mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the homemade vanilla wafers, giving each bite a delightful blend of textures. It’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. 

Don’t let the length of this recipe scare you! Even though it takes a fair amount of time, that’s only because of the baking process. You can make this recipe even if you’re a complete beginner. It’s ideal for gatherings, and it can be layered in individual jars for a charming presentation or in a large trifle dish for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. 

6. Energizing Banana Almond Smoothie

Method 🧑‍🍳

• Begin by peeling the ripe bananas and adding them to a blender.

• Pour in the 2 cups of vanilla Greek yogurt and 2 cups of unsweetened oat milk.

• Add 4 tablespoons of raw organic honey, ½ cup of sliced almonds, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

• Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no chunks.

• Once blended, taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if desired by adding more honey.

• Pour the smoothie into a tall glass or mason jar and serve immediately for a refreshing pre-gym snack.

Overview 🔍

This Energizing Banana Almond Smoothie is a perfect pre-workout snack, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of Greek yogurt and the crunch of almonds. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it provides sustained energy for your workout while satisfying your taste buds.

This smoothie is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding other ingredients like spinach for extra greens or swapping out almond slices for your favorite nut. 

7. Coconut & Curry Fried Bananas

Method 🧑‍🍳

• Begin by peeling the ripe bananas and slicing them diagonally into thick pieces.

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded fresh coconut, curry powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the bananas are coated evenly with the mixture.

• Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated banana slices in a single layer.

• Fry the bananas for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

• Once cooked, remove the bananas from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

• Serve warm, topped with toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts for added texture.

Overview 🔍

Coconut & Curry Fried Bananas offers a fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the aromatic touch of curry and the tropical taste of coconut. This quick and easy dish makes for an indulgent snack or dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ideal for those moments when you crave something sweet yet unique, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. Experiment with different spices or toppings, such as drizzling honey or serving with a scoop of ice cream.

FAQ

What can I do with many bananas?

With an abundance of bananas, you can create a variety of delicious dishes. Options include baking banana bread or pancakes, making smoothies, and whipping up a banana pudding. You can also freeze ripe bananas for later use in recipes, such as banana muffins or oatmeal squares. Additionally, consider experimenting with savory dishes, like the Coconut & Curry Fried Bananas, which offer a unique twist on traditional banana recipes.

How do you not waste ripe bananas?

To avoid wasting ripe bananas, consider using them in multiple recipes. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking, so make banana bread, pancakes, or muffins. You can also mash them for smoothies or freeze them for future use. If you prefer something different, try frying them for a sweet snack like Coconut & Curry Fried Bananas. By incorporating ripe bananas into your meal planning, you can reduce waste and enjoy their natural sweetness.

Can bananas be too ripe for banana bread?

While very ripe bananas are ideal for banana bread because of their sweetness and moisture, there is a point where they can become overly ripe and develop an off-putting flavor. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown, as these will provide the best flavor and texture for baking. 

If they begin to turn black or develop a strong odor, they may not yield the best results. Using ripe bananas in moderation ensures a delicious loaf every time.