How to Use Ripe Bananas: Healthy Ripe Bananas Recipes You Can Try at Home!

Do you have any overripe, black bananas sitting on your counter? Were you considering discarding them? Hold on! Ripe banana recipes are the perfect solution for these bananas. Check out our top healthy methods on how to use ripe bananas, from freezing them for future muffins to adding them to your pancake batter.

Are bananas healthy?

Bananas, a widely consumed tropical fruit, are beneficial for various health issues, from digestion to diabetes management. Impressively, over 100 billion are eaten each year. The average American consumes 27 pounds of bananas every year, more than the combined intake of apples and oranges.

A banana stands out as one of the healthiest snacks to integrate into your daily regimen. They're packed with potassium and other crucial vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of Bananas:

Heart Wellness

Many are aware that bananas are rich in potassium. This vital mineral and electrolyte facilitate nerve cells in relaying messages, ensuring that the heart beats consistently and muscles contract efficiently. A potassium-rich diet can combat high blood pressure and atherosclerosis

Intestinal Health

Despite their natural sugar content, bananas have a commendable low glycemic index (GI) of 51. This is thanks to their fiber content which promotes regular digestion.

Diabetes Management

Individuals with diabetes can potentially face fewer complications when they focus on low-GI foods while avoiding high glycemic index items. With their low GI, bananas are especially suitable for those managing diabetes.

Weight management

Opting for low-GI foods can support weight loss and maintenance. Incorporating bananas can satiate hunger, making weight management more achievable.

Want to make the most of those overripe fruits? Dive into these ripe banana recipes and discover how to use ripe bananas in wholesome ways at home.

Banana Breakfast Cookies

These cookies are perfect for breakfast or as a snack at any time of the day. The recipe is straightforward to follow, quick to prepare, and makes a terrific snack for kids.

Ingredients

4 large or medium ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)

4 cups oats (rolled or quick, both work)

2 tsp. of cinnamon

1/2 to 1 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or frozen blueberries

Instructions

Mash bananas and add them to a bowl. Oats, cinnamon, and other ingredients can all be added next. Use a spoon or the bottom of a cup to slightly flatten the cookies after scooping out the dough and placing it on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper. Bake for 15–18 minutes at 350 degrees in the oven.

If you or your children feel like they could use a bit of additional sweetness, you can add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup to the recipe.

Banana Muffins

Make these delicious banana muffins for a quick breakfast or on-the-go snack. They'll be a hit with the whole family and are also perfect for lunchboxes.

Ingredients

250g Self-raising flour 

1 tsp Baking powder

1/2 tsp Baking soda

110 g of caster sugar

75g melted butter

1 tsp Vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 large, mashed, ripe bananas

125 ml of buttermilk (or add 1 tsp of lemon juice to milk and leave for 20 mins)

50g of chopped pecans plus more for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Looking for ripe bananas recipes? Follow these steps to discover how to use ripe bananas in a delightful muffin recipe. Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°F. Arrange paper liners in a 12-hole muffin tray. In a sieve, mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, caster sugar, and a generous pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, buttermilk, and mashed ripe bananas.

Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the wet banana mixture. Swiftly mix with a fork, ensuring not to overmix. If you're including pecans, sprinkle the chopped ones over the mixture before transferring it to the muffin tray. Place pecan halves on top, and then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, rest your muffins on a wire rack to cool. Enjoy this tasty addition to your ripe banana recipe collection!

Banana Foster Pancakes

Instead of the dessert table, bananas foster can be served at your breakfast table! Pancakes made with bananas, caramel sauce flavored with rum, and nuts turn your regular pancakes into a special treat!

Ingredients

2 cups of flour

2 tsp of sugar

1 Tbsp Brown sugar

2 ½ Tbsp Baking powder

1/4 tsp of salt

1 cup of milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

6 Tbsp melted butter

1 banana, mashed

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

Splash of lemon juice

⅛ tsp of salt

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp rum extract

Instructions

For this ripe bananas recipe, first stir the butter, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. While stirring continuously, raise the temperature until the sugar has melted. It should take 8 to 10 minutes for the mixture to become caramel-colored on medium heat. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Once the heat is turned off, add the rum extract.

To learn how to use ripe bananas in pancakes, first apply nonstick spray to a griddle or pan and heat it over medium heat. Mix the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt in one bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Combine this milk mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir in the melted butter. Finally, fold in the mashed ripe bananas — the batter will be lumpy.

Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the hot pan. Each pancake should be cooked for 2–3 minutes or until golden. Serve with chopped pecans, chopped banana chips, and caramel sauce.

Banana Pudding

One of the top ripe banana recipes is this effortless banana pudding that your kids will adore. Learning how to use ripe bananas effectively, you'll find that this banana pudding can be whipped up in just about a half hour. It's ideal for grabbing at breakfast, lunch, or as a swift snack in between.

Ingredients

3/4 cup of sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon of salt

3 cups of 2% milk

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

60 cookies, or 8 ounces, of vanilla wafers divided

4 big ripe bananas, cut into quarter-inch-thick slices

Instructions

Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a large pot. Add milk while whisking. Cook at medium heat and continue stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Cook and stir for an additional two minutes on low heat, then remove.

Whisk eggs in a small bowl. Stir a little of the hot mixture into the eggs before returning everything to the pot and continuing to whisk. Bring to a low boil; simmer for 2 minutes while stirring, then remove from heat. Add vanilla and stir. Let cool for 15 minutes and continue to stir occasionally.

Layer 25 vanilla wafers, half of the banana slices, and half of the pudding in an 8-inch square baking dish that has not been greased. Make another layer with the remaining ingredients.

Apply plastic wrap firmly to the pudding's surface and place it in the fridge for a minimum of four hours. Remove wrap just before serving; crumble remaining wafers and sprinkle on top.

Tossing out overripe bananas that you have in your kitchen can seem wasteful. If you wonder how to use ripe bananas, there are many ripe banana recipes that are nutritious and delicious!

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Conclusion

Overripe bananas should never be seen as waste but as an opportunity to explore an array of delicious and nutritious ripe banana recipes. From transforming them into breakfast delights to integrating them into your favorite desserts, there's a myriad of ways how to use ripe bananas. With the health benefits bananas offer, it's a win-win to incorporate them into your diet.

FAQ

Why should I use overripe bananas in recipes?

Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter, which can reduce the need for added sugars in recipes. Their softer texture also makes them easier to mash and integrate into dishes, providing moisture and flavor.

Apart from the mentioned recipes, what are other ways to use ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas can be used in smoothies, banana bread, oatmeal, or even as a natural sweetener in other dishes. They can also be frozen and later used for ice creams or smoothie bowls.

Can overripe bananas be frozen for later use?

Yes, overripe bananas can be peeled, placed in a freezer bag, and stored in the freezer. They can be used later for recipes like smoothies, muffins, and banana bread. Freezing helps preserve the bananas and their natural sweetness.