What Dessert to Make with Bananas: Delicious Recipes for Every Sweet Tooth

Got some ripe bananas sitting on your counter? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not whip up a delicious dessert? Bananas are not just a healthy snack; they can be the star of the show in your kitchen.

What Dessert To Make With Bananas

Using ripe bananas opens up a world of dessert possibilities. Here are some tasty options:

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic choice from ripe bananas.

• Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 pinch of salt, and 1.5 cups all-purpose flour.
• Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
3. Mix in melted butter.
4. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and baking soda.
5. Add salt and flour, and blend well.
6. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Banana Pudding

Banana pudding combines layers of bananas and vanilla pudding.

• Ingredients: 2 cups milk, 1 package vanilla pudding mix, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla wafer cookies, and sliced bananas.
• Instructions:

1. Prepare the pudding according to package instructions, stirring in sugar.
2. In a dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding.
3. Repeat layering, finishing with pudding.
4. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Banana Splits

Banana splits are both fun and customizable.

• Ingredients: 1 banana, 2 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chopped nuts.
• Instructions:

1. Slice the banana lengthwise and place it in a bowl.
2. Add scoops of ice cream between the banana halves.
3. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and nuts as desired.

Chocolate-Covered Bananas

These treats make a quick dessert option.

• Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
• Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Slice bananas into bite-size pieces.
3. Dip banana pieces into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Banana Smoothie

Banana smoothies offer a refreshing treat.

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 cup milk (or yogurt), and ice cubes.
• Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

These dessert ideas make the most of ripe bananas. You can enjoy the sweetness and rich flavor these recipes bring, turning everyday ingredients into memorable treats.

Popular Banana Desserts

Exploring popular banana desserts reveals delicious options that transform ripe bananas into tasty treats. Here’s a closer look at a few favorites.

Banana Bread

Banana bread stands out as a classic dessert. It combines ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter for a moist, flavorful loaf.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
3. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
4. Mix in baking soda and salt.
5. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
6. Fold in the flour until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a delightful layered dessert featuring vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla pudding
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 package vanilla wafers
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Start by layering vanilla wafers in the bottom of a serving dish.
2. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers.
3. Pour half of the vanilla pudding over the bananas.
4. Repeat the layers with wafers, bananas, and pudding.
5. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie features a flaky crust, rich banana filling, and whipped cream topping. This dessert makes a striking presentation and tantalizes the taste buds.

• 1 pre-baked pie crust
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping

1. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir over medium heat until thickened.
2. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually add a small amount of the hot mixture to the egg yolks, stirring continuously.
3. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook until thick. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
4. Slice bananas into the cooled pie crust.
5. Pour the filling over the bananas and refrigerate until set.
6. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Unique Dessert Ideas

Explore these unique dessert ideas to make the most of your ripe bananas.

Banana Foster

Banana Foster is a delightful dessert combining caramelized bananas and ice cream. To make it, you’ll need ripe bananas, butter, brown sugar, rum, and vanilla ice cream.

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar and stir until the mixture bubbles.
3. Slice bananas and add them to the skillet, allowing them to caramelize for about 2 minutes.
4. Carefully add rum and ignite it for a dramatic flair (ensure safety).
5. Serve the mixture over scoops of vanilla ice cream.

This dessert serves two to four people and is perfect for impressing guests.

Frozen Banana Bites

Frozen banana bites provide a quick, fun treat that’s easy to make. You’ll require ripe bananas, chocolate (dark or milk), and toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.

1. Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces.
2. Melt chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
3. Dip each banana piece in the melted chocolate, covering it completely.
4. Roll the covered banana pieces in your chosen toppings.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour.

Healthy Dessert Options

Using ripe bananas for healthy desserts offers plenty of options. These choices are nutritious, delicious, and easy to make.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Banana oatmeal cookies combine ripe bananas with oats for a wholesome treat. Follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: chocolate chips or nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in the rolled oats and optional ingredients.
5. Drop tablespoons of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Let cool before enjoying your healthy cookies.

These cookies are perfect for breakfast or a snack. You’ll enjoy the sweetness from bananas and the fiber from oats.

Banana Smoothie Bowl

Banana smoothie bowls create a satisfying and colorful dessert. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Here’s how to make one:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
• 1/2 cup almond milk or preferred milk
• Optional: spinach or protein powder for added nutrition

1. Blend the ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and any optional ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
3. Top with sliced fruits, granola, nuts, or seeds.
4. Enjoy with a spoon!

This dessert is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. You can create a new flavor combination each time by varying your toppings.

Tips For Using Bananas in Desserts

Using bananas in desserts is simple and rewarding. Follow these tips to enhance your banana-based creations.

Choosing the Right Bananas

Select ripe bananas for best results. Look for bananas with a yellow peel that’s slightly speckled with brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and blend well into recipes. Unripe green bananas lack flavor and sweetness, while overly brown bananas may be too mushy for certain desserts. For a balanced texture, choose bananas that are ripe but still firm.

Ripeness Matters

Ripe bananas offer distinct advantages in baking and dessert preparation. They contain more natural sugars, enhancing flavor and sweetness. To assess ripeness, gently press the banana. If it feels soft but not overly squishy, it’s ready to use. For recipes like banana bread or pancakes, well-ripened bananas create a creamy batter. If you have overripe bananas, consider them for smoothies or frozen desserts, as they blend easily and provide a rich taste.

Conclusion

There’s no need to let those ripe bananas go to waste when you can whip up something delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic banana bread or a fun dessert like Banana Foster, the options are endless.

Exploring the versatility of bananas opens up a world of tasty treats that can satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, you can enjoy healthier alternatives like Banana Oatmeal Cookies or refreshing smoothie bowls.

So the next time you find yourself with overripe bananas, remember you’ve got plenty of delicious recipes at your fingertips. Get creative and enjoy the sweet rewards of your culinary adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with ripe bananas?

You can create a variety of delicious desserts with ripe bananas, such as banana bread, banana pudding, banana splits, chocolate-covered bananas, and banana smoothies. Ripe bananas can also be used in unique recipes like Banana Foster and Frozen Banana Bites.

How do you make banana bread?

To make banana bread, blend ripe bananas with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Mix well, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and bake until golden brown. This results in a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast.

What is Banana Foster?

Banana Foster is a decadent dessert made by caramelizing ripe bananas in butter and brown sugar, served warm over vanilla ice cream. It’s a dramatic and delicious treat that combines rich flavors for a delightful experience.

Are there healthy dessert options with bananas?

Yes! Healthy dessert options include Banana Oatmeal Cookies, made with ripe bananas, oats, peanut butter, and honey, as well as Banana Smoothie Bowls made from ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and almond milk topped with fresh fruits. These recipes are nutritious and easy to make.

How do I choose ripe bananas for baking?

Select bananas with a yellow peel and slight brown speckles for optimal sweetness and flavor. Ripe bananas enhance dessert recipes with their natural sugars and creamy texture, while overripe bananas are great for smoothies. Avoid unripe or overly brown bananas for the best results.