Overripe Bananas – 10 Easy Recipe Ideas
The first thing that comes to mind when you have overripe bananas is to make banana bread. It is easy and quick to make and this banana bread recipe is absolutely delicious and moist. But what to make with overripe bananas if you already made banana bread and still have lots of bananas? I collected my favourite ideas in this blog post. If you have any other ideas please leave a comment with your idea and I will add it to this post.
1. Freeze Overripe Bananas
If you have enough space in your freezer then freeze them. There are different ways to freeze bananas and they all work well.
If you want to freeze the banana in slices: peel the banana, cut it into even chunks, place these chunks on a cookie sheet or similar and put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then store the frozen banana slices in a container or freezer bag. Then when you need them you can use either frozen or defrosted.
You can absolutely freeze the bananas whole. I’ve done that before and had no issues. You can peel them or not. Either works. Just put the bananas in the freezer and if did not peel them thaw them before peeling when you use them. If you peeled them before freezing the bananas you can use them either frozen or thawed.
2. Smoothies
Smoothies are such a great breakfast alternative if you have a blender! Just use the overripe bananas (frozen or fresh) and add some fruits of your choice. You can also add soya yoghurt, chocolate powder or anything else that takes your fancy. I like to experiment and add whatever I have in the kitchen.
3. Make A Chocolate Treat
You can also make a little treat with the bananas. They go really well with chocolate – so why not freeze the banana in even chunks on your cookie sheet and add some vegan chocolate on top? This is such a nice little treat and so easy to make!
4. Banana Chips
If you have a dehydrator you can make banana chips easily. Just slice in even thin slices and dehydrate! This makes an easy and healthy snack for the whole family! If you feel like it dip the chips in chocolate for an extra special snack!
5. Sorbet/Icecream
If you decided to freeze your bananas why not make banana sorbet out of them for those warmer days? Just add the frozen bananas, frozen blueberries and a little peanut butter in a blender and mix well. You could also add additional ingredients like walnuts of chocolate chips after making the sorbet.
Alternatively, if you have frozen fruit you don’t have to freeze the bananas! Use 1 bag of frozen fruit of your choice, 2 bananas (more if you don’t mind the flavor), half a cup or so of plant milk and then place all ingredients in your blender. Blend until it’s sorbet/sherbet texture and enjoy.
6. Breakfast Drink With Coffee
For this yummy breakfast drink, you will need a blender and use 1/2 cup of whatever milk you like, for example, oat milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, 3-4 cubes of ice. Then you just blend everything together and enjoy a special breakfast drink with a coffee kick!
7. Make A Cocktail
Take your frozen bananas, add some strawberries, some orange juice & ice cubes and put all of these in your blender. Blend until well mixed and then add as little or much vodka as you wish. Cheers!
Obviously you can also leave out the vodka for a mocktail version.
8. Oatmeal Banana Pancakes
Use 1 cup of oat flour (or blend up 1 cup of quick oats if you don’t have oat flour), add half a mashed banana, 2/3 cup of your preferred plant milk, add vanilla and/or cinnamon to taste. Then use the mixture as you would normally for pancakes. You could also add some cocoa powder if you want a chocolate version of these pancakes.
9. Fried Bananas
Cut the banana in slices of about 1 inch and dip them in cinnamon. Then fry on each side for a few minutes. You can eat as they are or at these fried bananas on porridge or chia pudding.
10. Cookies
Fancy making some cookies with your bananas? Mash up the bananas and then mix with oats and pat out to form little cookies. These will not spread like normal cookies so make desired shape and size. Bake at 350°F for about 10-15 min to your desired crunch. Add peanut butter, nuts, vegan chocolate chunks or dried fruit.
These are my favourite ideas for overripe bananas. If you you have a great idea that is not listed please leave a comment so I can add it to this list.
I’m sure you will find one idea you like and you won’t have to waste those overripe bananas you have in your kitchen at the moment! Enjoy and let me know how you liked the ideas!
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