6 Ways to Use Overripe Bananas

Posted by Gwen Watson on May 29, 2015

Do you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter? Even though you might not want to eat them on their own, these overripe bananas are delicious when used in recipes. Try these ideas the next time you have bananas that are past their prime lying around!

Make a Smoothie

Bananas are great in smoothies and the riper they are, the better! Simply add one cup of fresh or frozen fruit of choice, one overripe banana, and one cup of juice or milk (or almond milk, soy milk, etc.), and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes one at a time until desired thickness is achieved. If you use frozen fruit, you may not need to use ice cubes.

Whip up a Banana Cake

Most of us have a go-to banana bread recipe we use whenever we have overripe bananas. This time, why not make a banana cake, instead? Banana cake is lighter and fluffier and is a nice change of pace from its denser cousin. To make an extra decadent treat, stir in a half a cup of mini chocolate chips just before adding the cake to the pan.

Enjoy Banana Ice Cream

You don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy this ice cream! Slice four ripe bananas into chunks. Spread out on a tray, cover, and freeze for about two hours, or until frozen all the way through. Just before serving, throw the bananas into a blender or food processor, add four tablespoons milk or half and half, and blend until smooth. This recipe makes four portions. Try garnishing this ice cream with slivered almonds, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream!

Make Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are another great way to use those ripe bananas! The bananas make them extra moist and flavorful and they taste great when topped with chocolate sauce or chocolate-hazelnut spread. For an even more decadent treat, stir ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter just before scooping it into the pan.

Drink a Banana Milkshake

If you’re a fan of milkshakes, you’ll absolutely love these banana shakes! Simply add 1 sliced, ripe banana, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, and 1 cup of milk to a blender and pulse until completely smooth. Add ice cubes one at a time until desired thickness is achieved. This recipe will make approximately two servings. Garnish the shake with a swirl of chocolate syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.

Make a Sandwich

Even though he is most famous for his singing, Elvis’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches is well documented. To recreate his favorite, simply spread two slices of bread with your favorite peanut butter. Slice one ripe banana and add to one side of the bread. Top with the second slice of bread and enjoy! If you want, you can also toast the bread before making the sandwich to give it an extra crunch.