10 Ripe Banana Recipes That Aren't Bread

When life gives you ripe bananas, don't think banana bread is the only way to use them. I've rounded up 10 ripe banana recipes to help you waste less and enjoy more!

Delicious Ripe Banana Recipes

Ripe bananas are a superhero in the kitchen. A banana’s sweetness actually intensifies as it ripens, making it perfect for baking.

But before you decide to bake another banana bread, here are some creative ways to put them to work.

Banana Bread Oatmeal Muffin In A Mug from our kitchen
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Sundae Bites from Kara Lydon at The Foodie Dietitian
Banana Kiwi Smoothie from our kitchen
Banana Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls from Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, owner of Alena Kharlamenko Nutrition and Wellness
Blueberry Banana Wraps from Forks Over Knives
Chocolate Avocado Pudding from our kitchen
Cold Brew Coffee Protein Smoothie from Megan Byrd, RD, nutrition blogger at The Oregon Dietitian
Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups from our kitchen
Chocolate Banana Nut Energy Bites from Brittany Poulson, RD, author of The Healthy Family Cookbook
Overnight French Toast from Shannon Garcia, RD, owner of Kiss in the Kitchen

Bonus: Ripe Banana Hacks

Extend Freshness

Ever wonder why a bunch of bananas have plastic wrap around the stem at the grocery store? When bananas ripen, they release ethylene gas from the stems. Wrapping traps the gas and slows the ripening process.

Ripen Other Fruit Faster

You know that thing about putting underripe fruit in a brown paper bag to make it ripen faster? Well, it actually works. Need to use that unripe avocado before you miss completely miss the ripe window? Place it in a brown paper bag with a banana and let the ethylene gas do its work.

Peel and Freeze

Peel and break the banana into chunks, place in plastic bags, and freeze! Now they can easily be added to recipes like kiwi banana smoothies or banana ice cream.

Ripen In The Oven

Need a slightly sweeter, perfectly mushy banana fast? Poke holes in it with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 300ºF for 15-30 minutes, or until completely brown.