When those bananas get spots, they're ready for baking!
Bananas are great! (I'm tempted to say we go bananas for them, but that's a dad joke too far.)
America's favorite fruit is not only tasty, but it's also pretty good for you. They make a great snack, are super portable, and you can even grow your own, indoors, from a houseplant!
However, there can be too much of a good thing — and if you've got a few bananas growing spotty and brown on the counter, you may be wondering what you can do with them, to use them up before it's too late.
Not to worry! We've got dozens of delicious recipes that are perfect for using up leftover bananas. From quick breads to pancakes, smoothies, popsicles, and breakfast treats, these banana recipes are so good you may find yourself buying extra just to make 'em! We'll let you know how many bananas each recipe calls for, too, so you can decide which recipe is right for you.
Got more banana questions? We've got banana answers!
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1
Griddled Banana Bread with Sorghum Syrup
A sweet, Southern syrup is the perfect topper for this decadent banana bread breakfast.
Banana Count: 3 large bananas
Get the recipe for Griddled Banana Bread with Sorghum Syrup.
2
Baked Brown-Butter Banana Bread Doughnuts
Oh my goodness—combining banana bread and donuts turns out to be a genius move! If a cakey donut is your style, then you absolutely must try this (preferably with a cup of good coffee).
Banana Count: 3 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Baked Brown-Butter Banana Bread Doughnuts.
3
Banana Tart Tatin
A tatin is a sort of upside-down tart, where the fruit caramelizes by cooking on the bottom of the pan. Then the whole thing is flipped over and served. It's good enough with apples, but stunning with bananas.
Banana Count: 4 large bananas
Get the recipe for Banana Tart Tatin.
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4
Hummingbird Layer Cake
This classic Southern (actually Carribean!) cake wouldn't be the same without that signature mix of bananas and pineapple.
Banana Count: 2 large bananas
Get the recipe for Hummingbird Layer Cake.
5
Banana-Butterscotch Cake
Lean in to the rich, earthy side of banana flavor by pairing it with butterscotch, and baking up this bundt cake.
Banana Count: 2 large bananas
Get the recipe for Banana-Butterscotch Cake.
6
Olive’s Naturally Sweet PB&J Pancakes
Bananas are a classic addition to pancakes, adding sweetness without a lot of extra sugar. Chef Ryan Scott adds peanut butter and berries for a PB&J flavor that his daughter Olive loves!
Banana Count: 2 medium bananas
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7
Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
This is the hands-down most indulgent banana bread we've ever made. Big chunks of chocolate and toasted banana halves make it gift-worthy. But you can also just keep one on the counter for snacking!
Banana Count: 4 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread.
8
Fern's Banana Bread
We're also fans of this no-fuss version, that originally came from reader Fern Robichaud of Lake Worth, Florida. Her smart trick? Bisquick biscuit mix! It makes the whole thing simple as can be!
Banana Count: 3 large bananas
Get the recipe for Fern's Banana Bread.
9
Orange-Banana Smoothie Pops
Bananas aren't just for baking! They'll make a dessert pop creamier and sweeter. This recipe doesn't even use added sugar!
Banana Count: 2 large bananas
Get the recipe for Orange-Banana Smoothie Pops.
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10
Cocoa Puffs and Banana Pie
This pie is like your favorite childhood breakfast cereal turned into a dessert—with some Oreos tossed in for good measure. Sliced bananas always made that cereal taste even better.
Banana Count: 2 ripe bananas
Get the recipe for Cocoa Puffs and Banana Pie.
11
Banana, Brown Sugar, and White Chocolate Mini-Bundt Cakes
These over-the-top mini bundts are ideal for holiday gifting! They start with our basic quickbread mix so they're super easy. You'll need a mini bundt pan to make them—but you can also make this as a regular banana bread!
Banana Count: 3 bananas
Get the recipe for Banana, Brown Sugar, and White Chocolate Mini-Bundt Cakes.
12
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Granola
This homemade granola is hearty and decadent. Peanut butter and banana combine to make it about as tasty as can be.
Banana Count: 1 medium banana
Get the recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Bread Granola.
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13
Banana Bread with Salted Peanut Streusel
This banana bread is easy and delicious—but don't skip that peanut strudel topper. It'll make this bread disappear!
Banana Count: 3 large bananas
Get the recipe for Banana Bread with Salted Peanut Streusel.
14
Butterscotch-Banana Trifle
Got a lot of bananas you need to get through? This decadent dessert will feed a crowd (or repeat customers for several days) and it looks stunning, to boot! A mixing bowl will work if you don't have a trifle bowl.
Banana Count: 6 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Butterscotch-Banana Trifle.
15
Salty Peanut Banana Pudding
This Southern dessert staple is a must-have at any classy picnic or potluck, but it's also just a decadent way to move some bananas off the counter. We suggest keeping a box of Nilla Wafers on hand just in case.
Banana Count: 4 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Salty Peanut Banana Pudding.
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16
Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes
Got just one lonely little banana you need to use up? This mini-cheesecake recipe yields two perfect little desserts!
Banana Count: 1 small banana
Get the recipe for Banana Split Cheesecakes.
17
Banana Bread Flapjacks
Flapjacks but make it banana bread. What could be better? These'll serve six, and the leftovers can be frozen and reheated!
Banana Count: 4 to 5 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Banana Bread Flapjacks.
18
Grilled Banana Splits
Honestly though, if you haven't tried grilling a banana you need to do it this evening. It works great with ones that just on the ripe side.
Banana Count: 4 bananas
Get the rec ipe for Grilled Banana Splits.
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19
Banana Bread Pudding
Or, instead of grilling, you can sear them in a pan, as with this classic bread pudding!
Banana Count: 4 bananas
Get the recipe for Banana Bread Pudding.
20
Banana Pudding Pie
If there's one thing we save our extra bananas up for, it's this sweet pudding pie with a caramel bottom!
Banana Count: 3 medium bananas
Get the recipe for Banana Pudding Pie.
