Looking for some tasty ways to use up those browning bananas in your fruit bowl? Here are some of my favorite healthy recipes for overripe bananas!
And if you’re wondering, yes: overripe bananas are perfectly safe to eat. The peel might change color (i.e. those brown spots you see), but the inside of the banana is still edible – it’ll just be extra sweet. So there’s no reason to let your overripe bananas go to waste!
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How to Freeze Overripe Bananas (+ Save Them for Later!)
Before we get to the recipes, let’s go over how to freeze your overripe bananas so they don’t go to waste if you’re not ready to use them right away!
In addition to the text + photo descriptions here, please also see the “how to freeze and overripe banana” video that’s below, if you prefer video!
First, fully peel your banana. This is KEY. (If you freeze a banana with the peel on, it’ll be super tough to peel it when you’re ready to use it.)
Second, I definitely recommend cutting your banana in half (or quarters). That way, if you only need part of the banana at a time, you can just grab half, and it will defrost more quickly, too.
Plus, if you’re using it for a smoothie, a full frozen banana may not fit in your blender. Smaller pieces are easier to blend! (Here’s how to easily slice a banana into small pieces before you freeze it.)
Place the banana pieces into a zip-able bag or airtight container, and put it in the freezer.
That’s it – you’re all set! Now, you’ll have ripe bananas waiting for you when you’re ready to make the recipes below.
9 Healthy Recipes for Overripe Bananas
1. Flour-Free Banana Pancakes
This pancake recipe combines banana and egg to make a delicious high-protein, gluten-free breakfast! I promise, it’s tastier than it might sound. 😉
2. High Protein Banana Oatmeal
This tasty oatmeal combines ripe bananas and eggs for a protein-packed, healthy bowl of oats. I like to add extra bananas on top and some sliced almonds for crunch!
3. Banana Spinach Smoothie (overripe bananas make it extra sweet!)
This is one of my favorite smoothies, and the best part: it only requires 3 ingredients. It’s a super easy breakfast recipe with hidden veggies you won’t even taste. Plus, using overripe bananas makes it sweeter!
4. Oatmeal Coconut Cookies with Banana
These cookies with coconut, oats, raisins and banana are the perfect afternoon snack or healthy dessert. They’re fluffy and hearty and nice and sweet thanks to the banana and a touch of pure maple syrup!
5. Perfect Microwave Banana Oatmeal
You never have to make boring microwave oatmeal from a packet ever again, my friends. This perfect microwave oatmeal recipe (with banana, of course!) is super quick and very tasty! Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and filling breakfast.
6. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Banana Bread
You can’t go wrong with banana bread – especially peanut butter banana bread! This healthier, whole wheat version is just as delicious as your “typical” banana bread, but higher in protein and healthy fat to keep you satisfied.
7. Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Cookies
This take on oatmeal cookies features pumpkin and bananas, and it’s heavenly!
8. Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana
If you haven’t had overnight oats, you’re missing out! This simple recipe can be made ahead of time, so you have breakfast ready when you wake up. It’s also super versatile; you can easily use your favorite toppings and flavor combinations!
9. Almond Butter Banana Breakfast Bars
I love having these grab-and-go breakfast bars ready for when I wake up, or for a quick afternoon snack. They’re moist, filling, and super delicious.
Those are all my favorite healthy recipes with overripe bananas. I hope you enjoy them! And I hope now you never have to throw out a browning banana again. 🙂
Looking for more delicious recipes with fruit? Here are some to try:
