All the recipes you'll ever need to help you use up the bunch of ripe or overripe bananas sitting in the fruit bowl. When it comes to these recipes, the spottier and darker the bananas are the better. This post is filled with delicious banana bread, muffins, oatmeal and smoothie recipes. Which will you try first?
Bananas ripen at a rapid pace and have quite a short shelf-life compared to other fruits. While there may only be a short window to enjoy them by themselves, a world of possibilities opens up once bananas start to turn brown.
Many baked goods taste their best with the addition of a spotty bananas or two. Or you can learn how to freeze bananas and turn frozen banana into smoothies, nice cream and popsicles.
So if you have found yourself with a bunch of too ripe or even overripe bananas - never fear! There's plenty of delicious recipes that will put those bananas to good use.
But first, here's a few ways to extend the life of your bananas and tips on how to freeze them to use at a later date!
What's the best way to store bananas?
Looking to get the most life out of your bananas? Bananas are best stored at room temperature - either in a fruit basket or on a banana hanger. Here's some more helpful tips to ensuring you store them correctly...
- Keep bananas at room temperature until fully ripened. Don't place bananas in the fridge until they are ripe. But while we're on the topic I suggest leaving bananas out of the fridge full stop. I recommend freezing your bananas in slices if you find yourself with a lot of ripe bananas that you aren't sure what to do with.
- Don't store bananas in sealed bags. Bananas give off gas called ethylene during the ripening process. Having bananas in a sealed bag would mean the bananas would brown faster as the gas would have nowhere to escape too.
- Keep them away from other fruits and vegetables. Just like bananas, other fruits and vegetables omit gases that speed up the ripening process. Keep bananas away from other fruits and vegetables so they don't ripen faster.
Is it OK to put bananas in the fridge?
It is OK to put bananas in the fridge, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should. Firstly, you should never place bananas in the fridge before they are ripe, as the fridge will slow down the ripening process and the flavour and texture won't develop properly.
Putting bananas in the fridge once they are ripe can help them stay ripe for a few days, but the extension is so negligible there's really no need to refrigerate them. I'd recommend freezing them instead following the instructions below.
If you are going place your bananas in the fridge just be aware that the skins will most likely turn completely black within a day or two. This is OK and doesn't mean they have gone bad. This is a helpful guide if you're wanting to know more about the scientific reasons behind the peel turning black!
How to freeze bananas?
It is SO easy to freeze bananas to use in smoothies, nice cream and popsicles. Here's what you need to do...
- Remove the skin.
- Cut into slices and place on a plate or tray.
- Place plate / tray in the freezer for 1 hour until banana slices are solid.
- Place banana slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do you have an air fryer?
Did you know you can bake all sorts of delicious things in your air fryer, including banana muffins and bread!
- Air Fryer Banana Muffins
- Mini Banana Bread Loaves [Air Fryer or Oven]
Don't have an air fryer? Never fear - here's 12 delicious ripe banana recipes to use up your bunch...
Ripe Banana Recipes
Buttermilk Banana Bread
Buttermilk Banana Bread made with roasted bananas is so moist and full of flavour. Very easy to prepare and made with simple, everyday ingredients. Great for morning tea and it freezes well so you can stash some for later. The BEST banana bread recipe you'll try.
Mini Banana Muffins
These easy mini banana muffins are the best tiny treat for kids and adults alike! Pack them in lunchboxes or savour one (or two) with a cup of tea after dinner.
Banana Steel-Cut Oats
Sitting down to a big bowl of these healthy and hearty banana steel-cut oats is the perfect way to start your day. Made with just 5 simple everyday ingredients, you'll love how easily this comes together.
Banana Coconut Muffins
These healthy banana coconut muffins are refined sugar and dairy free, and are perfect for an afternoon treat or for packing in lunch boxes.
Banana Oat Smoothie
Don't have time to sit down and eat breakfast? Whip up this Banana Oat Smoothie for a satisfying breakfast on the go. Just dump, blend and run!
Strawberry Banana Popsicles
These healthy strawberry banana popsicles are easy to make and are the perfect treat on a hot summer's day.
Easy Banana Cake
This easy banana cake is light, moist and full of flavour. It’s perfect for sharing for afternoon tea and is a great way to use up overripe bananas.
Healthy Banana Pancakes
Got a couple of ripe bananas sitting on the bench? Make these Healthy Banana Pancakes! These sugar free, whole grain pancakes are simple to prepare, fluffy and oh so tasty. Finish them off with your favourite toppings.
Sugar-Free Banana Bread
This refined sugar-free banana bread is filled with good for you ingredients so you can enjoy a slice guilt-free. The perfect treat when you want something sweet without all the added sugar.
Easy Stovetop Banana Oatmeal
This Easy Stovetop Banana Oatmeal is ready in 10 minutes, making it perfect for weekday mornings when you need a delicious breakfast is a flash. It's naturally sweetened with banana and is Vegan friendly.
Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
These deliciously Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on the bench. Ready in under 30 minutes, you can enjoy these muffins for breakfast, snacks or dessert.
Ripe bananas can be used up in so many ways. I actually look forward to when my bananas start to go spotty now as it means I can make one of these delicious recipes!
With so many ripe banana recipes to choose from the only question is - which will you try first?
If you’ve tried any of these Banana Recipes I’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.