Banana Recipes, Recipes Using Bananas, Cooking with Bananas—whatever you call it, there’s something magical about turning a bunch of ripe bananas into something delicious.
If you’ve got a few speckled bananas sitting on your counter, congratulations—you’re about to unlock their full potential.
Whether it’s fluffy pancakes, dreamy banana bread, or a creamy pie that’ll make you weak in the knees, I’ve rounded up 18 recipes that prove bananas belong in more than just a smoothie.
Let’s get peeling!
1. Banana Pancakes
Nothing beats waking up to the sweet smell of banana pancakes sizzling in the pan. They’re fluffy, naturally sweet, and ridiculously easy to make.
Just mash up a ripe banana, whisk it into some pancake batter, and boom—you’ve got a breakfast that tastes like a hug.
Bonus points if you drizzle them with maple syrup and top them with extra banana slices.
If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for an extra flavor boost.
2. Banana Banana Bread
Yes, you read that right—Banana Banana Bread. Because one banana just isn’t enough! This recipe packs in double the banana flavor for a moist, rich, and slightly caramelized loaf.
Slather it with butter, or eat it straight from the pan (I won’t judge).
Either way, it’s the kind of comfort food you didn’t know you needed. The trick to getting it just right?
Use extra-ripe bananas and don’t overmix the batter. Trust me, this will be your go-to banana bread recipe.
3. The Best Banana Pudding
This isn’t just banana pudding—it’s the best banana pudding. Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crunchy vanilla wafers come together to create pure dessert bliss.
You can eat it straight from the bowl, but if you really want to impress, let it chill overnight so the flavors meld into something truly irresistible.
Want to take it up a notch? Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies for that extra indulgence.
4. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
What’s better than a banana muffin? A banana muffin with chocolate chips, obviously. These little guys are soft, moist, and packed with melty chocolate goodness.
They make a great breakfast, snack, or late-night treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to a full cake.
The best part? They’re easy to make and freeze beautifully, so you can always have a stash ready for whenever the cravings hit.
5. Banana Crumb Muffins
Take your classic banana muffin, add a buttery cinnamon crumble on top, and you’ve got banana crumb muffins.
That crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to the soft, banana-packed base.
Basically, they taste like a muffin and a coffee cake had a delicious baby. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself the perfect cozy treat.
6. Janet’s Rich Banana Bread
Janet knew what she was doing with this one. This banana bread is extra rich, extra moist, and extra amazing.
It’s the kind of banana bread that makes your whole kitchen smell like a bakery.
If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe to impress your friends, this is it.
Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or mix in some shredded coconut for an unexpected tropical twist.
7. Banana Cream Pie
If you love bananas and you love pie, then congratulations—you’ve just found your new favorite dessert.
A flaky crust, silky banana custard, and clouds of whipped cream come together to create a slice of heaven. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with any other kind of pie.
For an extra decadent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.
8. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A peanut butter banana smoothie is like a milkshake, but healthier (sort of).
The peanut butter gives it richness, the banana adds natural sweetness, and if you throw in some ice, it’s refreshingly thick and creamy.
Pro tip: Add a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of magic. If you want a protein-packed version, throw in a scoop of protein powder or some Greek yogurt.
9. Extreme Banana Nut Bread ‘EBNB’
This is banana nut bread taken to the next level. It’s got the perfect balance of banana flavor, crunchy nuts, and a slightly crispy crust.
The “extreme” part? That’s the incredible depth of flavor you get with every bite.
Toast it, butter it, love it. Want to go even more extreme? Try adding dark chocolate chunks or a swirl of cinnamon sugar for a flavor explosion.
10. Joy’s Easy Banana Bread
Easy, quick, and absolutely delicious—Joy’s got the right idea. This banana bread is perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t feel like pulling out every baking tool in your kitchen.
Mix, pour, bake, and enjoy. If you have extra bananas lying around, make a double batch—this bread disappears fast!
11. Banana Muffins
Sometimes, you just need a simple banana muffin. No chocolate, no crumble, just a perfectly moist muffin with a deep banana flavor.
These are great for meal prepping—if you can resist eating them all at once. Try adding a touch of nutmeg or a handful of chopped dates for a fun flavor twist.
12. Bananas Foster
Ever set dessert on fire (on purpose)? Bananas Foster is the perfect excuse to do just that. Sautéed bananas in a buttery brown sugar sauce, flambéed with a splash of rum—it’s a little dramatic but totally worth it.
Serve it over vanilla ice cream and prepare to be amazed.
Pro tip: Use a long lighter to ignite the rum safely, and let it burn for just a few seconds before extinguishing.
13. A-Number-1 Banana Cake
This banana cake is the perfect balance of moist, fluffy, and flavorful. It has a delicate crumb with just the right amount of banana goodness.
The secret? A bit of sour cream to keep it extra tender. It’s the kind of cake that works for birthdays, brunches, or just because you deserve a treat.
Slather on a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.
14. Banana Sour Cream Bread
This banana bread is ultra-soft, thanks to the magic of sour cream. The tanginess balances the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a deep and rich flavor.
Want to elevate it even more?
A hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of toasted pecans add an extra layer of warmth and crunch. Serve it warm with a smear of butter, and you’re in banana bread heaven.
15. Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Imagine your favorite banana bread, now packed with melty chocolate chips. This is the kind of treat that makes people fight over the last slice.
The chocolate adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the bananas keep it moist and flavorful. Make a double batch—this one won’t last long.
16. Banana Pudding
Rich, creamy, and loaded with banana flavor, this pudding is pure comfort in a bowl.
The layers of vanilla wafers soften into a cake-like texture, creating the perfect contrast to the silky custard.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that only gets better the longer it sits, making it the ultimate make-ahead dessert.
17. Chocolate Banana Muffins
These muffins are like little bites of heaven. Packed with rich cocoa and sweet bananas, they have a deep, indulgent flavor. They’re soft, slightly fudgy, and pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
Pro tip: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top before baking for extra chocolaty goodness.
18. Banoffee Pie
Sweet, creamy, and utterly addictive, this British classic combines buttery toffee, ripe bananas, and clouds of whipped cream.
The crunch from the graham cracker crust adds the perfect contrast. One slice, and you’ll see why people go crazy for this dessert.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—18 recipes that prove bananas are the ultimate kitchen MVP.
From breakfast to dessert (and everything in between), these recipes will make sure you never let another banana go to waste.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some banana bread to bake. Which one are you trying first?