The best uses for overripe bananas

An overripe banana usually means it’s browned and becomes much sweeter than you’re accustomed to eating. While this isn’t the nicest snack on its own, it makes ripe bananas the perfect addition to already sugary desserts. So, if you have a banana that’s a bit past its prime, throw it in with some ice cream and nuts, and drizzle a bit of chocolate on top!

One of the more obvious choices, since smoothies are blended drinks, they’re a perfect way to use imperfect food. This includes overripe fruit such as bananas, avocados, mushy berries, and apples!

Baking is another fantastic method to use up too-soft bananas. And what better recipe than a classic banana bread? If you’re looking to spice things up even more, try adding additional flavors like chocolate chips, walnuts, or honey.

If you’re not a fan of banana bread or have had it all too recently, why not try making some muffins? Like loaves, this is a great way to use fruit that otherwise might end up in the compost without compromising taste or texture. And by adding some berries — whether blueberries or raspberries, you’ll take your breakfast treat to the next level.

It's a little unorthodox, but that makes fruit and spinach wraps so fun. It’s a new kind of lunch or snack on a busy day. Spread some cream cheese on a tortilla, slice your ripened banana, and add spinach, chutney, chopped peanuts, or blueberries.

This is another favorite way to use fruit that otherwise might be thrown out — like fruit ratatouille. Just chop up your ripened bananas, peaches, berries, or whatever else needs to be cleaned out of the crisper, and add some orange or lemon juice before mixing.

Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream? And banana flavored is just the refreshing kind we need this time of year. Don’t worry if you don’t have an ice cream maker because a blender works perfectly. Make sure to freeze a few bananas ahead of time, then put them in the machine along with some milk and cinnamon. Once fully blended, freeze for a few hours and enjoy!

Bananas are already a popular complement to everyone’s favorite hot cereal. However, even when they go a little too brown, if you add them while the oats are still piping hot, they’ll cook down into a sweet porridge that goes great with a cup of coffee in the morning.

Brownies are another baked good that pairs perfectly with bananas. Just blend in your past-their-prime fruit with the brownie mix and peanut butter and bake. 

Banana pancakes are another classic recipe for fruit that would be deemed inedible on its own. And by adding some chocolate chips to the mix, you’ll get a fun and different flavor. Bonus: instead of maple syrup, try a bit of peanut butter for something even more unique.

Granola is another breakfast staple that is frequently paired with bananas. But did you know you can actually make the cereal from overripe fruit? Just combine a bit of cinnamon, oats, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then, separately on the stove, cook down some oil syrup of your choice with vanilla and whisk in pureed bananas. Finally, mix it all and bake for about 30 minutes.

Usually, you would add bananas right before eating your overnight oats that had set, you know, the night before in the refrigerator. However, if your peels are looking a bit too dark, mix them with the oats and milk and place them in the fridge together for the next morning.

Since Bananas Foster is an alcohol-based dessert, it is actually best made with ripe fruit. Melt the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan, add sliced bananas, and allow the fruit to soften. Then pour in a couple tablespoons of rum and simmer. Serve with ice cream and enjoy! 

Did you know quinoa makes a great breakfast dish? Yup, especially when served with fruit like bananas. To use some overripe ones, just cook some quinoa with your favorite milk type and caramelize bananas separately before combining them for the perfect morning dish.

Another fun way to use too-ripe bananas is to make a pudding! All you’ll need is some mashed bananas combined with melted butter, vanilla, sugar, an egg, and flour. Combine in a pie dish and bake until solid. Remember, this is less chocolate pudding in a plastic cup and more solid pudding as served in the UK and Ireland for breakfast!

This is less a recipe and more of a suggestion if you’re unsure what to do immediately with your too-ripened bananas. The best practice is to peel and place the fruit into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Then, once you choose a recipe, defrost (or not if you’re making ice cream or a smoothie) and get cooking!

Roasting veggies is a popular way to use them, and you can certainly do the same with bananas. Just add a bit of glaze and roast at a slightly lower temperature for not too long. It makes the perfect pairing with ice cream or a fun side dish to any meal!

Grilled pineapple might be having a moment in BBQ culture. But bananas are also a great fruit to throw on there with burgers and hotdogs. Have them as a dessert or an alternative side to fries.

Banana cookies aren't considered as much as banana bread or muffins, but overripe bananas are also a great base for cookies. And like those recipes, add some chocolate chips or nuts for texture and flavor.