15 Creative Ripe Banana Recipes Beyond Basic Banana Bread

Got a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Don’t toss them out just yet! Those spotted, soft bananas are perfect for creating amazing treats.

From creamy smoothies to decadent desserts, these creative banana recipes will transform your overripe fruit into delicious homemade goodies everyone will love.

01. Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This protein-packed smoothie combines sweet bananas with rich peanut butter for the perfect breakfast. It’s thick, creamy, and keeps you satisfied all morning long.

Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup ice cubes, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

1. Peel bananas and break them into chunks, then add to your blender along with the peanut butter. Using room temperature peanut butter helps everything blend more smoothly without chunks.

2. Pour in the milk and honey, then add vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. I like to use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but any milk works perfectly fine.

3. Add ice cubes and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and frothy. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if needed, then serve immediately in tall glasses for the best texture and temperature.

02. Soft Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These chewy cookies combine three beloved flavors into one irresistible treat. They’re soft, satisfying, and perfect for using up those overripe bananas.

Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup peanut butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ cup raisins, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Soft Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining for texture.

2. Stir in peanut butter and brown sugar until well combined, creating a thick, sticky base. The mixture should hold together when pressed with a spoon.

3. Add oats, raisins, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture.

4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still look slightly soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

03. Frozen Banana Nice Cream

Transform frozen bananas into creamy, healthy ice cream with just one ingredient. This guilt-free dessert tastes indulgent but contains no added sugar or dairy.

Ingredients: 4 large ripe bananas (frozen), 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt.

How To Make Frozen Banana Nice Cream

1. Slice ripe bananas and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray for at least 3 hours or overnight. Frozen bananas should be completely solid and easy to break apart.

2. Add frozen banana pieces to a food processor and pulse several times to break them down into smaller chunks. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly at first.

3. Process continuously for 3-4 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until mixture transforms from crumbs to a smooth, creamy consistency that resembles soft-serve ice cream.

4. Add milk one tablespoon at a time if mixture seems too thick, along with vanilla and salt. Process until completely smooth and creamy.

5. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or freeze for 2 hours for firmer scoopable ice cream. Top with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips or nuts.

04. Classic Southern Banana Pudding

This no-bake version of the beloved Southern dessert layers creamy vanilla pudding with fresh bananas and cookies. It’s cool, light, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 1 box vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups cold milk, 1 container frozen whipped topping (thawed), 1 box vanilla wafers, 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

How To Make Classic Southern Banana Pudding

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions using cold milk, whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto surface to prevent skin forming, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds and gently toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. This step keeps your pudding looking fresh and appetizing for hours.

3. Fold thawed whipped topping into chilled pudding until completely combined, creating a light and airy base that’s perfect for layering with the other ingredients.

4. In a large glass bowl, layer half the vanilla wafers, half the banana slices, and half the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, ending with pudding on top.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and cookies to soften slightly. Garnish with crushed wafers before serving.

05. Brazilian Whole Banana Cream Pie

This unique Brazilian-style pie uses whole bananas for incredible flavor and texture. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect when you have lots of ripe bananas to use up.

Ingredients: 10 ripe bananas, 1 pre-baked pie crust, 2 cups heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, 4 large eggs, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt.

How To Make Brazilian Whole Banana Cream Pie

1. Arrange 6 whole peeled bananas in the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust, fitting them snugly together. These will create the distinctive base layer that makes this pie so special.

2. Mash remaining 4 bananas until smooth and set aside. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt, then gradually add cream while whisking to prevent lumps.

3. Cook cream mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.

4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then slowly add hot cream mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla.

5. Pour custard mixture over whole bananas in pie crust, ensuring it fills all gaps. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours until completely set.

6. Before serving, top with additional whipped cream and banana slices if desired. The pie slices beautifully, showing off the whole bananas inside each piece.

06. Crunchy-Topped Banana Muffins

These tender banana muffins feature a delightful crunchy streusel topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you need a sweet banana treat.

Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, 2 cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, ¾ cup milk, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup cold butter (cubed).

How To Make Crunchy-Topped Banana Muffins

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Mash bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture throughout the muffins.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and milk until well blended.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold together just until combined. Don’t overmix or your muffins will be tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.

4. For the crunch topping, mix brown sugar with ¼ cup flour, then cut in cold butter pieces until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.

5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each muffin before baking.

6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

07. Family-Style Banana Split

This crowd-pleasing dessert lets everyone customize their perfect banana split. It’s fun, interactive, and scales easily for any size gathering you’re hosting.

Ingredients: 5 large ripe bananas, 2 quarts vanilla ice cream, 1 jar chocolate sauce, 1 jar caramel sauce, 1 container whipped cream, 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup maraschino cherries.

How To Make Family-Style Banana Split

1. Peel bananas and slice them lengthwise, then arrange the halves around the edges of a large serving platter or shallow dish, creating a border for the ice cream.

2. Using an ice cream scoop, place generous scoops of vanilla ice cream in the center of the platter between the banana halves. Work quickly so the ice cream doesn’t melt.

3. Drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces generously over the ice cream and bananas, creating an appealing pattern that covers most of the dessert surface.

4. Add dollops of whipped cream around the platter, then sprinkle chopped nuts and place cherries on top for the classic banana split presentation everyone loves.

5. Serve immediately with multiple spoons so everyone can dig in and enjoy their favorite combinations of flavors and toppings together.

08. Traditional Banana Cream Pie

This classic banana cream pie features silky smooth custard and fresh banana layers in a flaky crust. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that never goes out of style.

Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 1 pre-baked pie crust, 3 cups whole milk, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup cornstarch, 4 large egg yolks, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups heavy cream, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar.

How To Make Traditional Banana Cream Pie

1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch, then gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. This creates the base for your silky custard.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then slowly add half the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs without scrambling them.

4. Return tempered egg mixture to saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.

5. Slice bananas and arrange half in the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Pour half the custard over bananas, add remaining banana slices, then top with remaining custard.

6. Press plastic wrap directly onto custard surface to prevent skin forming, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, whip cream with powdered sugar and spread over pie.

09. Simple Three-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

These fluffy pancakes require just three basic ingredients you probably have on hand. They’re quick, easy, and naturally sweetened by the ripe bananas.

Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, 3 large eggs, ½ teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, butter for cooking.

How To Make Simple Three-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

1. Mash bananas in a medium bowl until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.

2. Crack eggs into the bowl with mashed bananas and whisk everything together until well combined. Add baking powder and salt, then whisk again until smooth.

3. Let batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate and create fluffier pancakes. The mixture will look thin compared to regular pancake batter.

4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a small amount of butter. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, cooking slowly for best results.

5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on surface and edges look set, then flip carefully as these pancakes are more delicate than traditional ones.

6. Cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite pancake toppings.

10. Rich Banana Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

This moist banana pound cake topped with silky caramel glaze is pure indulgence. It’s perfect for special occasions and guaranteed to become a family favorite dessert.

Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 3 cups flour, 1 cup butter (softened), 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, 4 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Rich Banana Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a large bundt pan thoroughly. Mash bananas until smooth and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Cream softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and mashed bananas.

3. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake texture.

4. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 65-75 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off the warm cake.

6. For caramel glaze, combine brown sugar, cream, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, then cool slightly before drizzling over cake.

11. Chewy Banana Oat Breakfast Bars

These wholesome bars combine bananas and oats for a nutritious treat that works for breakfast or dessert. They’re naturally sweet and satisfying any time of day.

Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, 2 cups rolled oats, ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chocolate chips.

How To Make Chewy Banana Oat Breakfast Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Mash bananas until mostly smooth in a large bowl.

2. Stir melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla into mashed bananas until well combined. The mixture should be thick and hold together when stirred.

3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt, then add to banana mixture along with chocolate chips. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

4. Press mixture firmly and evenly into prepared baking pan using your hands or the back of a spoon. Make sure it’s well-packed for bars that hold together nicely.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set but still slightly soft. Don’t overbake or bars will be dry instead of chewy.

6. Cool completely in pan before lifting out using parchment overhang and cutting into squares. Store covered at room temperature for up to one week.

12. Classic New Orleans Bananas Foster

This iconic dessert features caramelized bananas in a rich rum sauce served over vanilla ice cream. It’s theatrical, delicious, and surprisingly easy to master at home.

Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, ¼ cup butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ cup dark rum, 1 quart vanilla ice cream, pinch of salt.

How To Make Classic New Orleans Bananas Foster

1. Peel bananas and slice them diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces. Try to keep slices uniform so they cook evenly and look beautiful in the final presentation.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble and caramelize.

3. Add banana slices to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing them to caramelize on the bottom before gently turning.

4. Cook another 1-2 minutes until bananas are tender and golden on both sides. Be careful not to overcook or they’ll become mushy instead of perfectly tender.

5. Remove skillet from heat and carefully add rum. Return to heat and cook for 1 minute to burn off alcohol, or ignite carefully for the traditional flambé effect.

6. Serve immediately over scoops of vanilla ice cream, spooning the warm caramel sauce over everything for the perfect temperature and flavor contrast.

13. Chunky Monkey Banana Cupcakes

These moist banana cupcakes packed with chocolate chips and nuts capture the beloved ice cream flavor in cake form. They’re portable, fun, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter (softened), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup chopped walnuts.

How To Make Chunky Monkey Banana Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Mash bananas until smooth and set aside to cool slightly before adding to batter.

2. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and mashed bananas until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.

4. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts just until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t overmix or cupcakes will be tough instead of tender.

5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until tops spring back when lightly touched and toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before frosting with your favorite chocolate or cream cheese frosting.

14. Decadent Bananas in Caramel Sauce

These tender bananas swimming in rich homemade caramel sauce make the perfect ice cream topping. They’re also delicious over cheesecake or rice pudding.

Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 1 cup sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Decadent Bananas in Caramel Sauce

1. Peel bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds, trying to keep pieces uniform for even cooking. Set aside while you prepare the caramel sauce base.

2. Heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until it melts and turns deep amber colored, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in butter, being careful as mixture will bubble vigorously. The butter helps create a smooth, rich caramel base.

4. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent the hot caramel from seizing. Return to low heat and stir until completely smooth.

5. Add vanilla extract and salt to enhance the caramel flavor, then gently fold in banana slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bananas are heated through but still hold their shape.

6. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or your favorite dessert. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

15. Southern Baked Banana Pudding with Meringue

This traditional baked version features fluffy meringue topping and warm custard layers. It’s the ultimate Southern comfort dessert that’s perfect for special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients: 5 ripe bananas, 1 box vanilla wafers, 3 cups whole milk, ¾ cup sugar (divided), ⅓ cup flour, 4 large eggs (separated), 2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar.

How To Make Southern Baked Banana Pudding with Meringue

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange vanilla wafers in bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Slice bananas and layer them over the cookies, creating an even foundation.

2. In a saucepan, whisk together ½ cup sugar and flour, then gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

3. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then slowly add hot milk mixture while whisking to temper. Return to saucepan and cook 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour custard over bananas and wafers, making sure to cover everything evenly for consistent texture.

5. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and meringue is glossy and smooth.

6. Spread meringue over custard, sealing edges to prevent shrinking. Bake for 12-15 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Final Thoughts

These creative banana recipes prove that overripe bananas are culinary gold waiting to be transformed. From breakfast treats to elegant desserts, there’s something here for every craving.

Next time you spot those brown bananas on your counter, remember these delicious possibilities and turn them into something amazing for your family to enjoy.