I love running kitchen experiments, and my go-to for tasty and healthy banana creations. These recipes can hit the spot, no matter what kind of craving you’re having—Sweet, savory, or anything in between.

And my obsession is sure to continue. Banana Bread
1.

Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to warm up. Oil a loaf pan that measures 9×5 inches.

2. Take a mixing bowl.

Into that, pour the melted butter. Add to the bowl the bananas that you’ve mashed.

3. Put the sugar, a beaten egg, and some vanilla extract into the bowl.

Mix all that together well. Then, add some baking soda and salt.

Make sure those dry ingredients are well mixed in.

The 12 Best banana recipes

1. Banana Bread

Delicious, moist banana bread is a quick bread made chiefly from ripe bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. It is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Set your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a loaf pan that measures 4 inches wide by 8 inches long. You may use Baker’s Joy, which is a highly effective spray that not only oils the pan but also dusts it with flour. If you do not have any Baker’s Joy, you can also use a generous portion of regular vegetable oil (not health-coach-suggested olive oil, which is far too strong) and dust the pan with all-purpose flour. Pop the loaf pan into the fridge while you prepare the batter.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the bananas with softened butter. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the butter and continue mixing until the texture is screamy smooth.

3. Stir in the baking soda and salt, and then mix in the flour until just incorporated.

4. Fill the loaf pan with the prepared batter and set it on the center rack of the preheated oven. Close the oven door and allow the batter to bake for approximately 60 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking. If not, give it another 5 to 10 minutes. Once it’s done baking, remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

2. Banana Pancakes

Pancakes made with banana are a delightful breakfast option. They are not your average flapjacks.

They use a ripe banana, flour, sugar, and baking powder, along with a hint of vanilla extract, to create a smooth, cookable batter. While most pancake recipes call for a whole cup of flour, these use only half a cup.

And while the average pancake has a whopping 200 calories, these have just under 170.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Butter or oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, blend the smooth, ripe banana with the egg and the vanilla extract until they are all nicely combined.

2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until smooth.

3. Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and very lightly coat the skillet with either butter or oil.

4. Spoon small quantities of batter onto the skillet to create pancakes, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve pancakes warm.

3. Banana Smoothie

Banana smoothies are drinks prepared by blending ripe bananas, milk, Greek yogurt, and a hint of vanilla to make a quick and very nutritious drink. If you want the smoothie to have an unusual and delightful flavor, you can add cinnamon and honey.

You can also drink the smoothie without those additions and still enjoy a refreshing, creamy treat.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Cut the bananas and place them in a blender.

2. Add the milk and Greek yogurt.

3. Add to blender: honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

4. Combine the ice cubes and blend until smooth and creamy. If necessary, adjust the sweetness before serving.

4. Banana Muffins

Muffins made from bananas are delightful. The combining of ripe bananas and melted butter with sugar, a beaten egg, vanilla extract, and flour yields a moist and flavorful breakfast or snack muffin.

The texture is such that they could almost be called cake.

Ingredients

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up. Prepare a muffin tin so that the batter does not stick to the cups by either lining the tin with paper muffin cup liners or greasing the muffin cups.

2. In a mixing bowl, mash up a couple of ripe bananas. To the banana pulp, add some melted butter and a good amount of sugar. Stir in a couple of eggs—beaten eggs, mind you—and then add a few drops of vanilla extract. Mix it really well and then mix it a little more for good measure.

3. Dust the baking soda across the mixture and blend it in. Then add the flour, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

4. Pour the batter into the muffin cups. Distribute it evenly. Bake.18-20 minutesor until you can poke the muffins with a toothpick and not have any gooey batter come out. I always test a couple of muffins to be sure. Remove the pan from the oven and let the muffins sit in the pan for a few minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack.Make sure they cool completely before you do anything with them.

5. Banana Pudding

A classic dessert made by layering ripe bananas, sliced, and creamy vanilla pudding layered with vanilla wafer cookies, and then richly enhanced with condensed milk and pure vanilla extract. This is topped with freshly whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, whisk the whole milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract together until they are well combined. Allow the mixture to set in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to thicken.

2. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding until smooth.

3. In a serving bowl or trifle dish, layer the cookies, bananas, and pudding mixture. Make another layer with the same ingredients, again using the layer of pudding last. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the ingredients.

4. Refrigerate chill the banana pudding for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

6. Banana Ice Cream

Banana Ice Cream
is a straightforward and pleasing dessert made with just bananas, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk. It’s creamy and sweet, lending itself well to a quick finish after dinner.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Put the bananas that you have sliced on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for at least 2 hours, or until they are solid enough that you cannot mash them.

2. After freezing, place the bananas in a blender or a food processor along with the honey or maple syrup, the vanilla extract, the milk, and the salt.

3. Combine until even, pulsing rather than blending if you need more control over the process. Scrape down the sides of the container to ensure everything is mixed when you are working with a high-speed blender. When serving, note that if you want a soft-serve topper, omit the refrigitation step after blending. Otherwise, store it in the freezer for 1-2 hours for a firmer topping.

7. Banana Sushi

I introduce Banana Sushi as a wonderful, no-cook diversion that has, as its counterpart, raw fish in a standard sushi roll—but I use bananas instead! That is true of the first two ingredients listed, but I’d argue the next three ingredients also work together to make this a super satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup granola
1 tablespoon shredded coconut
Optional: 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

1. Remove the peels from the bananas and cover them with an even coating of peanut butter.

2. Pour honey in a thin stream over the peanut butter spread that lies atop the bananas.

3. Coat the bananas in granola, rolling them until they are fully encrusted. Press gently to help the granola stick better.

4. Top with shredded coconut, and if desired, sprinkle on some mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate. Cut into rustic squares and serve warm.

8. Banana Nice Cream Bars

Banana Nice Cream Bars are a delightful frozen treat made with ripe bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract. They are topped with a yummy mixture of peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and coconut oil.

They are the kind of bars you refresh yourself with on a warm day.

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Put the sliced bananas into a container that seals tightly and place them in the freezer until they are rock solid, which will take about 2-3 hours.

2. A food processor combines frozen banana slices, almond milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth and creamy base. __________________________________________________________________________In a food processor, combine the frozen banana slices, almond milk, and vanilla extract.

3. Spread the mixture of bananas into a square dish. The dish should be lined with parchment paper and should measure approximately the same amount as a 1-inch-thick square when filled completely with the banana mixture. Place the dish in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze for 1 hour.

4. Combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut oil in a microwave or in a double boiler and melt, stirring until smooth. Pour this over the first two layers and spread until even. Freeze again for 1-2 hours, or until set. To serve, slice into bars and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

9. Banana Chia Seed Pudding

Introducing Banana Chia Seed Pudding, a delicious and wholesome dessert made with the following ingredients:

• Ripe bananas
• Chia seeds
• Almond milk (any milk will do; my preference is almond)
• A hint of vanilla (or not)

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet yet good for you. Sweetened with honey.

Ingredients

1 ripe banana
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup almond milk (or any preferred milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
A pinch of cinnamon
A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, mash the ripe banana until smooth.

2. Include the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, honey, cinnamon, and salt in the mashed banana. Mix well to unite everything.

3. Allow the mixture to stand for approximately 5 minutes; then stir it again. This keeps the chia seeds from getting too clumpy.

4. Refrigerate the bowl covered for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight if you want it to be completely set. When you return to the bowl, give the pudding another stir, more so if you see chia seeds hanging out at the surface. Then, dig into it with toppings of your choosing.

10. Banana Spring Rolls

Banana Spring Rolls make an absolutely delicious dessert. The ripe bananas lend such good flavor and are so sweet, they need little else to bring them to new heights of taste and texture.

But these spring rolls are also done up wonderfully: they are fried to a perfect golden crisp and make a fantastic vehicle for their oozing, hot banana filling. Serving them with honey or caramel sauce certainly makes them all the more delicious.

(Well, obviously!) But herein lies the recipe for the spring rolls made with just the bananas.

Ingredients

Ripe bananas
Spring roll wrappers
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Cooking oil (for frying)
Honey or caramel sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Take the bananas that are ripe, remove their peels, and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.

2. In a small bowl, blend together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. In this mixture, coat each banana piece by rolling it.

3. In the middle of a spring roll wrapper, place a piece of banana that has been covered in a coating. Fold the sides of the spring roll wrapper over the banana, and roll it up tightly. Use a little water to seal the edges.

4. Warm a pan over medium heat and add cooking oil. Fry the banana spring rolls until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. If desired, drizzle either honey or a caramel sauce over the spring rolls before serving.

11. Banana Peel Bacon

Learn to make banana peels into crispy bacon substitutes, using a satisfying marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. It’s a sustainable and tasty alternative.

Ingredients

2-3 ripe banana peels
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Remove the excess stringy bits by scraping the inside of the banana peels, then slice them into strips that are the size of bacon.

2. Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil in a bowl to form the marinade.

3. Let the banana peel strips bask in the marinade for at least 10 minutes so that the flavor can fully absorb.

4. Warm up a skillet that doesn’t stick over medium heat and place the marinade-covered bananas peels into it. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they look crisped and just starting to caramelize.

12. Banana Curry

Combining ripe bananas, coconut milk, and savory spices like curry powder, a dish known as Banana Curry offers an unforgettable flavor profile that melds sweet and savory. This dish gets a big dose of umami glory from its base of sautéed onions and garlic.

The resultant creamy, dreamy fusion dish is surprisingly scrumptious—if you aren’t afraid of a little culinary adventure.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup coconut milk
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Warm the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Swirl in the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until it turns translucent and soft.

2. Add the minced garlic and curry powder, and stir. Let cook for another minute, or until fragrant.

3. Place the banana slices in a skillet and toss them gently with the spices to coat.

4. Add the coconut milk and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the bananas to soften a little more, so if you feel like they’re not quite there yet, let them go for a minute or two more. When they’re enjoyed on a bed of coconut milk, they’re pretty amazing. Also, coconuts and bananas just go together.