Best banana recipes for using those ripe bananas! Tried and true family favorite banana recipes for banana bread, banana muffins, banana pudding, bars, cookies and more.
I love making recipes with bananas because unlike most other fruit, bananas are available year round. They’re readily available in most grocery stores and they’re inexpensive. Oh, and they taste wonderful! Baking with bananas is the best because not only do they add a great flavor, but they add moisture and a delicious sweetness. Grab a bunch and get to baking!
We’ve gathered the very BEST BANANA RECIPES ever here for you. Be sure to pin this to save it!
How can I ripen bananas quickly?
Ripe bananas are used in banana bread because they have a stronger, more pronounced flavor. There are several ways to help bananas ripen faster so that you can make banana bread. Here are my preferred methods:
- Ripen bananas in the oven. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bananas peel and all on the parchment and bake for 30-40 minutes, until peels are black & shiny. Let cool 1 hour and proceed with banana bread recipe.
- Ripen bananas in a paper bag. If you have more time, place bananas in a paper bag with an apple. Fold and secure closed. I usually leave bananas like this for a full day, then proceed with the Banana Nut Bread recipe.
Did your banana bread sink in the middle?
This happens to me occasionally too! Often it’s because I’ve over mixed the batter. Quick bread (referring to a bread recipe that doesn’t use yeast) does not like to be stirred too much, so try to just barely mix all the ingredients together. Another culprit could be overfilling the pan. The bread pan should be only half full each time. As always, make sure your leavening ingredients- baking soda and baking powder- aren’t too old. Baking soda should only be on your shelf for 6-9 months before purchasing new. I purchase it in bulk (I bake a lot!) and refrigerate it to help it last longer.
Can baked banana recipes be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze baked banana recipes. Most will stay fresh for 2-3 months in the freezer. I like to first wrap it in parchment paper or freezer paper, then put it in a ziplock freezer bag. Instead of using a ziplock bag you can wrap it in foil or plastic wrap.
Which bread pan is best?
I bake a lot of bread and the pans I prefer are either aluminized steel or ceramic. Both types of pans will bake bread more evenly and release the bread more easily after baking. I’ve used glass pans in the past and it seems like my bread sinks too often when using them, so I stopped. I also don’t like using dark or nonstick pans because the bread cooks unevenly. It darkens on the outside before the bread is cooked on the inside, so it’s easier to burn.
Best Banana Recipes. Pick which category you’d like to look through:
Bread
Cookies/Bars
Cakes
Miscellaneous
Bread:
Caramel Banana Nut Bread
Caramel Banana Nut Bread made with ripe bananas and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Topped with buttery streusel & caramel glaze. Best Banana Nut Quick Bread recipe ever! See the recipe for Caramel Banana Nut Bread here.
Caramel Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Streusel Topping
- 3 TBSP packed brown sugar
- 2 TBSp flour
- 4 tsp cold butter
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Caramel Glaze
- 5 TBSP butter
- 3 TBSP caramel ice cream topping
- dash of salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray your bread pan with non-stick spray specifically for baked goods. Set aside.
- Whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar and butter until smooth. Add in banana. Stir again until banana is incorporated.
- Combine wet ingredients and dry ingredients, including chopped nuts and stir. Pour batter into prepared bread pan.
- To make streusel topping, mash the brown sugar, flour and cold butter with a fork until it’s uniformly crumbly. Stir in nuts and sprinkle the mixture over the bread batter.
- Bake 50-55 minutes, until internal temperature of the bread reads 200 degrees F. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then overturn on a cooling rack.
- To make the caramel glaze, combine butter and caramel topping in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Whisk in salt and powdered sugar. Let cool slightly, then drizzle over cooled banana nut bread. Top with additional chopped nuts, if desired.
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Sour Cream Banana Bread
Sour Cream Banana Bread is packed with ripe bananas for perfectly sweet, flavorful bread. Lovely moist banana bread recipe that uses sour cream for texture and a perfect crumb. See the recipe for Sour Cream Banana Bread here.
Easy Banana Bread
Easy Banana Bread is the simplest homemade banana bread recipe ever! Made with ripe bananas, a cake mix & 2 other simple ingredients. See the Easy Banana Bread recipe here!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread made with fresh bananas, chocolate chips and sour cream. Moist and delicious banana bread recipe. See the recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread here.
Banana Bread
I have baked and eaten A LOT of banana bread in my days. I love making different versions, but today we are talking about classic banana bread. Banana bread that will remind you of your mom’s recipe or your grandma’s recipe…but even better. This moist banana bread has an intense banana flavor and the perfect amount of sweetness. It is our favorite quick bread, and you can find out how to make it here.
Yogurt Banana Bread
Yogurt banana bread is the best banana bread recipe ever! Made with yogurt and ripe bananas, it’s super easy to make, light, moist & has the best flavor. See the Yogurt Banana Bread recipe here!
Cranberry Banana Bread
Cranberry banana bread is made with flavorful fresh cranberries, sweet bananas, cinnamon & nutmeg to make this fantastic take on traditional banana bread. See the Cranberry Banana Bread recipe here!
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Double Chocolate Banana Bread is moist, delicious and packed with ripe bananas and chocolate chips. This simple quick bread recipe takes traditional banana bread to a whole new level! See the recipe for Double Chocolate Banana Bread here.
Cookies/Bars:
Banana Orange Bars
Banana Orange Bars a perfectly sweet delightful treat with fantastic fresh fruit flavor! Banana and orange combine in this simple frosted dessert bar recipe. See the recipe for Banana Orange Bars here.
Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies made with ripe bananas, old-fashioned oats & chocolate chips for a loaded breakfast cookie everyone enjoys! See the recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies here.
Vanilla Pudding Banana Bread
Vanilla Pudding Banana Bread made with ripe bananas and vanilla pudding! The pudding adds so much moisture and flavor to this delicious banana bread recipe. See the recipe for Vanilla Pudding Banana Bread here.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
Chocolate Chip Banana Bars are a simple & delicious banana bar recipe that’s even better than banana bread! They’re the perfect recipe to use that bunch of over-ripe bananas. Great for breakfast, lunch and snacks in between. Check out all the 5 star reviews- everyone raves about these Chocolate Chip Banana Bars! See the Chocolate Chip Banana Bars recipe here.
Banana Bars
Banana Bars are a delicious cake-like bar with an amazing cream cheese frosting on top! Betty Crocker know her stuff and, once again, nailed it with this one! See the Banana Bars recipe here!
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of banana flavor. They are the perfect recipe for using up those overly ripe bananas. Kids and adults will love them! See the Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe here!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are hands down the best banana flavored cookie I’ve ever had. Not only are they moist and chewy for days, they are unmistakably banana-y. These cookies make the list of banana things to go crazy for. Without a doubt. Figure out why they are so dang good by following the recipe here!
Caramel Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Caramel Banana Cream Pie Cookies are a sensational mini cookie cup filled with a creamy banana flavored pudding on top of a hidden caramel surprise. Every bite of this delicious banana pudding cookie is a blend of sweet flavors, rich taste, and the crunchy and creamy texture pairs so perfectly together. See the recipe for Caramel Banana Cream Pie Cookies here.
Banana Cream Cookies
Banana Cream Cookies are a classic banana cookie recipe with a twist! They have a great soft, chewy texture that comes from banana pudding mix plus a whole banana. Banana cream pie lovers- you’ve got to try these banana cookies! See the Banana Cream Cookies recipe here!
Double Chocolate Banana Bars
Double chocolate banana bars made with 5 bananas & double the chocolate for a tasty banana recipe that everyone enjoys. Not too sweet & perfect anytime! See the Double Chocolate Banana Bars recipe here!
Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Peanut Butter Banana Bars are packed with bananas, peanut butter & chocolate chips. Banana Bars are the perfect thing to make with ripe bananas; my family goes crazy over them! See the recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Bars here.
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Got ripe bananas? These easy Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are WAY more fun than making banana bread and so delicious too! Super soft and absolutely amazing! Banana cookie recipe here!
Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Banana cream pie cookies are the perfect way to cheat and still enjoy the taste of banana cream pie without having to deal with a pie crust! See the Banana Cream Pie Cookie recipe here!
Cakes:
Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake
Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake made from scratch with ripe bananas & creamy peanut butter! Moist banana bundt cake iced with an incredible chocolate cream cheese frosting! See the recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake here.
Frosted Banana Cake
Make this Frosted Banana Cake from scratch in no time! Lovely banana flavor combined with rich, buttery frosting and topped with chopped nuts. Delicious! See the Frosted Banana Cake recipe here!
Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Banana Breakfast Cake is a delicious banana coffee cake with a tasty vanilla glaze. Everyone loves when we have this for breakfast! A soft and tender banana coffee cake with cinnamon oat crumb topping and icing makes for a great breakfast treat. See the recipe for Banana Cinnamon Coffee Cake here.
Buttermilk Banana Cake
Buttermilk Banana Cake recipe topped with cream cheese frosting for anyone who loves bananas! Fantastic flavor in this moist banana cake made with butter, ripe bananas, & buttermilk. See the recipe for Buttermilk Banana Cake here.
Chocolate Chip Banana Mug Cake
Chocolate Chip Banana Mug Cake is a delicious single-serving treat that’s ready in less than 5 minutes! Chocolate chip mug cake packed with yummy banana flavor in every bite! See the recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Mug Cake here.
Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Cake
Banana breakfast cake is a delicious banana and cinnamon breakfast cake with a tasty glaze drizzled on top! Everyone loves when we have this for breakfast! See the Banana Breakfast Cake recipe here!
Easy Banana Magic Cake
If you are looking for a quick and easy cake recipe with just few simple ingredients, this Easy Banana Magic Cake is perfect sweet treat. See the recipe for Easy Banana Magic Cake here.
Banana Bread Crumb Cake
This Banana Bread Crumb Cake recipe is a fun twist on both Banana Bread and Crumb Cake…it’s like a muffin in cake form, and oh so good! I am always looking for recipes using bananas…especially old-ish ones…see the recipe for Banana Bread Crumb Cake here.
Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
Chocolate Chip Banana Cake is a lovely homemade banana bundt cake recipe with chocolate chips! Fantastic flavor and wonderful frosting ~perfect recipe for ripe bananas! See the recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Cake here.
Buttermilk Banana Cake
If you have ripe bananas to use up instead of traditional banana bread, try this delicious Banana Cake! It smells amazing while baking but tastes even better after topping it with cream cheese frosting! See the Buttermilk Banana Cake recipe here!
Miscellaneous:
Banana Pecan Pancakes
Banana Pecan Pancakes made with classic ingredients, adding banana and pecan for great flavor & texture! Homemade banana pancakes recipe with tips on how to make them light & fluffy! See the recipe for Banana Pecan Pancakes here.
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins made easy with ripe bananas, brown sugar, milk, eggs & oil. Homemade cinnamon spiced banana muffins dotted with chocolate chips perfect for breakfast! See the recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins here.
Banana Cream Pie Muddy Buddies
You’re going to love these easy Banana Cream Pie Muddy Buddies! The white chocolate and banana pudding mix flavors covering the crunchy Chex cereal make this recipe irresistible! See the Banana Cream Pie Muddy Buddies recipe here!
Banana Split Pie
This Banana Split Pie only takes a few minutes to prepare and will stay ready in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving so you can prepare it in advance. You can also customize it and add nuts and/or any other toppings you’d like! See the Banana Split Pie recipe here!
Banana Cream Cheesecakes
Banana cream cheesecakes made with banana pudding, whipped topping, and a graham cracker crust are the absolute perfect, easy to make, sweet & creamy treat! See the Banana Cream Cheesecakes recipe here!
Nutella Banana Muffins
Nutella Banana Muffins give you that delicious “treat” taste with the Nutella, in an amazing homemade banana muffin! Perfect for breakfast, snack or treat! See the Nutella Banana Muffins recipe here!
Banana Pancakes
3 Ingredient Banana Pancakes made with bananas, eggs and self-rising flour. Delicious easy pancake recipe that is ready in minutes! See the recipe for Banana Pancakes here.
Caramel Banana Cream Tiramisu
Caramel Banana Cream Tiramisu is the creamiest, most perfect combination of banana pudding, graham crackers, and caramel! It’s such a decadent dessert that everyone is sure to enjoy! See the Caramel Banana Cream Tiramisu recipe here!
Banana Split Milkshakes
You’ll find all the flavors of a banana split in these tall and tasty milkshakes. Freeze fresh, ripe bananas ahead of time so you can enjoy these milkshakes whenever you please. This dessert is full of all the classic sweet, creamy flavors of a banana split, only in shake form. See the Banana Split Milkshakes recipe here!
Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
This Southern banana pudding recipe makes a classic, Southern dessert. A family recipe everyone loves, this homemade banana pudding is an essential part of so many holidays and celebrations! See the Southern Banana Pudding recipe here!
Butter Pecan Banana Cream Pie
Butter Pecan Banana Cream Pie combines two classic pies into one delicious dessert! This simple banana pie recipe is made in a pecan crust, with fresh bananas sandwiched between two creamy layers. See the recipe for Butter Pecan Banana Cream Pie here.
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad recipe comes together with just 6 ingredients. Rich and creamy cheesecake filling is folded into luscious strawberries and sweet banana to create the most amazing, glorious fruit salad ever! See the Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad recipe here!
Banana Crumb Muffins
These Banana Crumb Muffins are perfect for breakfast and snacks! With the wonderful crumbly texture on top and the tasty banana flavoring inside, you’ll be needing to whip up another batch fast! See the Banana Crumb Muffins recipe here!
Bananas Foster
If you have never had the classic dessert, Bananas Foster, this is the recipe to try it out on! Those caramelized bananas are completely delicious! See the Bananas Foster recipe here!
Baked Banana Donuts
Baked Banana Donuts made with flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, eggs & ripe bananas! Easy donut recipe covered in chocolate glaze & chocolate sprinkles that everyone loves! See the recipe for Baked Banana Donuts here.
Pan Fried Honey Bananas
These simple Pan-fried Bananas are caramelized in honey and cinnamon for a simple and delicious treat. You can enjoy them as is or pair with ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, french toast, and more! While I’ve never been a big fan of eating bananas plain from the peel, caramelized bananas…bananas foster…oh, and those deep fried banana egg roll desserts…they all make me weak at the knees. See the recipe for Pan Fried Honey Bananas here.
Bhagiyalakshmi Sabarirajan says
It’s a easy and quick recipe. I love it. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, and filling snack bars for kids. Definitely I will do this recipe again.
Alison says
Thank you so much!
NSL says
Tasted like chocolate chip banana bread. I thought there would be more of a consistancy like a bar.
Jess says
These did not come out. They did not rise and were like a gloopy mess. I followed the recipe and used coconut oil but subbed almond for coconut flour. After adding in the dry ingredients, the texture went from wet to dry, like cookie dough. I didn’t see any place to check within this recipe on the consistency of the batter… but I thought maybe it’s supposed to be like that and not like l banana bread as I would assume… I put it in the oven after spreading it across the cookie sheet.
20 mins go by and it still looks the same, 30 mins go by and it smells amazing but still no change. I left it in the oven for 40 mins and it’s basically in the exact same form as it was when I put it in, but now hot and toasty around the edges. I tested it with a toothpick and it was still really wet on the inside as if it didn’t bake.
So there’s definitely something off here with the recipe. I think a video tutorial would be a great addition and very helpful to those who try this in the future.
Jessica says
You can’t just sub in coconut flour, unfortunately. I find coconut flour hard to bake with.
Laura says
I made this today and thought it was a just a little gooey on the inside. I followed the directions to a T. The only difference was I used a 13 x 9 pan because I wanted them a little thicker. . I cut them up and put them in the oven at 350 again for 10 minutes. They were a better but not great where I would say “ooo these are so good I’m gonna make them again”. My husband liked them and my kids haven’t tried them yet. I wonder if using less bananas would make a difference?
Alison says
Hey Laura! This recipe was made for a cookie sheet size pan so it will definitely come out fully cooked if you use that next time rather than the 9 x 13 🙂
Judy Wahl says
Delicious! Perfect. My family LOVED them.
Alison says
So glad Judy!
Erin says
My kids absolutely adore this recipe. It is their favorite banana bread. I decrease the amount of chocolate chips by about half and they don’t seem to mind. I also use 3/4-cup whole wheat flour
Faith says
Made these with honey replacing sugar and almond flour what a great healthy recipe
Lana says
These came out too moist for a bar. I even cooked a few minutes longer than suggested.
They were tasty, but probably would reduce number of bananas used and oil to see if they would turn out a bit more crumbly.
Cmay says
Bars have nice taste—banana flavor was not overwhelming but blended nicely with other flavors. Nice texture too! Due to dietary protocol, substituted coconut sugar for half of the regular sugar and used white whole wheat flour (-2T. Per cup flour.). So added 1/2 tsp. soda as well. Recipe accommodated the substitutions very well. Thanks , will enjoy making the recipe again 😊👍
Jessica says
So glad you liked them!