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    Home » Just for Fun

    21+ Best Ripe Banana Recipes from Dietitians

    Published: Jan 20, 2023 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links

    Look no further for 21+ of the BEST banana recipes from Registered Dietitians (including some of my own, ofc:) that will show you how to use up all of your otherwise unwanted ripe bananas. You'll never want to toss super ripe bananas again (hello, cost savings!).

    Top left: several pieces of biscotti on a round wooden platter with a bag of California Walnuts. Top right: Four quarters of a round waffle overlapping on a white plate and topped with banana slices; a small glass bowl with maple syrup is on the plate. Bottom left: Banana oat chocolate chip cookies on a sheetpan lined with parchment paper. Bottom right: Top view of a strawberry banana smoothie topped with one frozen strawberry in a glass with a red and white striped straw.

    You know that saying, "turn that frown upside down?" Yea, well that's what you need to do the next time you see that the bananas sitting out on the counter are a little too ripe to be eaten as is.

    I mean, there's nothing like staring at a bunch of ripe or overripe bananas and having no idea what to do with them. Here you will find a variety of recipes that will show you what you can make with them.

    Jump to:
    • What is a Dietitian?
    • What is a Ripe Banana?
    • Banana Bread and Banana Muffin Recipes
    • Banana Dessert Recipes
    • More Banana Recipes That Aren't Bread
    • Dietitian Tip
    • Cost Saving Tips
    • Questions You May Have
    • More Helpful Roundup Posts

    What is a Dietitian?

    Dietitian is short for Registered Dietitian (RD). RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential.

    At the very least, an RD has a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university and at least 1000 hours of approved supervised practice or experiential learning.

    Sometimes our field is hard to describe simply because dietitians work in a wide variety of settings. For me, I've worked in large teaching hospitals seeing critically ill patients (kids and adults) and now I'm in the online space working with recipe development. Others work in the outpatient setting, marketing, management, or retail. There's really so much that you can do with the RD credential, it's hard to list it all!

    What is a Ripe Banana?

    One bunch of four ripe bananas.

    Ripe bananas are a delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive fruit that can be eaten alone, with nut butter, or used in a variety of recipes to add flavor and natural sweetness.

    Ripe bananas are yellow in color without any green on the edges of the peel. They have at least a few brown spots and get more brown spots as they ripen even more.

    To be clear, bright yellow bananas with green edges as you often find at the grocery store, are not yet ripe and will not taste good. Set them on the counter when you get home, and they will ripen within a few days.

    I should add that I've noticed a difference between organic and conventional bananas as they ripen. In my experience, organic bananas do darken in color, but they don't get as many brown spots at the same stage of ripening as conventional bananas.

    Now, on to the recipes!

    Banana Bread and Banana Muffin Recipes

    Banana Carrot Muffins with Raisins
    These kid-favorite healthy muffins make a delicious addition to breakfast and school lunches or can be served as an easy after school snack! It's an easy and delicious recipe that uses up two very ripe or overripe bananas.
    SEE RECIPE
    stack of banana carrot muffins with a carrot on the side and bananas in the background
    Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    This easy banana blueberry muffin recipe is made with simple ingredients (hello, fresh lemon!) and uses just one bowl. It calls for one-and-a-half ripe bananas.
    SEE RECIPE
    One banana blueberry muffin on a small white plate in the center and parts of four more muffins shown around the plate. A small glass bowl with oars and an egg is to the top-right of the muffin in the center.
    Hummingbird Muffins
    This Hummingbird Muffin recipe uses one overripe banana (and crushed pineapple, just saying! ;)) to cut back on the amount of added sugar. Your kids will love it!
    Recipe by: Melissa Macher, RD
    SEE RECIPE
    Partial muffin tin with Hummingbird Muffins. Muffins are topped with two pecans each.
    Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
    Made with whole grain flours, zucchini, and two small and very ripe or overripe bananas, these moist and nourishing zucchini muffins make a perfect snack for kids! They require just one bowl for mixing; easy to make and cleanup is a breeze!
    SEE RECIPE
    fingers holding a half of a zucchini banana chocolate chip muffin
    Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins are made with no added sugar (not even maple syrup or honey!). This is an easy recipe that calls for two ripe bananas and a handful of other ingredients that you'll likely have on hand.
    Recipe by: Bethany Keith MS, RDN, LD, CNSC Registered Dietitian at Sizzlingnutrition.com
    SEE RECIPE
    12 Banana-Blueberry Oatmeal muffins in a muffin tin.
    Easy Dairy-Free Banana Bread
    This easy and delicious dairy-free banana bread is made with simple, easy to find ingredients like white whole wheat flour and maple syrup and requires just one bowl for mixing. It's so good, your kids will want to eat it with breakfast AND as an after-school snack! This recipe calls for three very ripe bananas.
    SEE RECIPE
    One loaf of banana bread topped with walnut pieces and chocolate chips, partially sliced with a paring knife that has a blue handle.
    Tahini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    Enjoy a delicious twist on an old classic by making banana bread with tahini....and chocolate chips, of course! This recipe calls for three very ripe bananas.
    Recipe by: Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT
    SEE RECIPE
    One loaf of banana bread topped with chocolate chips and walnut pieces, on top of a piece of parchment paper.
    Coconut Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl
    This delicious coconut banana bread recipe calls for three medium and very ripe bananas and is topped with just enough Nutella to give it the chocolatey flavor that everyone loves!
    Recipe by: Julia Roberts MS, MPH, RD at Juggling with Julia
    SEE RECIPE
    One loaf of coconut banana bread with Nutella swirled in on the top in a metal loaf pan. The loaf pan is on a white and purple cloth napkin.
    Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
    These gluten-free banana chocolate chip muffins are soft, full of flavor, and have a lovely crumb topping to give it incredible texture. This recipe calls for three ripe bananas. You'll want the bananas to be ripe, but not too ripe.
    Check out the post for an easy swap that you can make if you don't need gluten-free.
    Recipe by: Julie Christensen RD, LD
    SEE RECIPE
    Three Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip muffins stacked on a marble countertop.

    Banana Dessert Recipes

    Healthy Banana Mug Cake (With Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips)
    This banana mug cake is an easy recipe that uses overripe banana to add incredible flavor, texture, and natural sweetness. It contains 8g of protein per serving and only takes 11 minutes to make.
    Recipe by: Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD at Snacking in Sneakers
    SEE RECIPE
    Banana Mug Cake in a white mug with a spoon. One bunch of bananas and a few scattered chocolate chips are in the background.
    Creamy Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding
    This easy and delicious chocolate pudding calls for only three ingredients, including two ripe bananas, is a no cook recipe, and takes just 10 minutes to make. It's a great recipe to start getting your kids to help in the kitchen, unless you want to hold off telling them that there's avocado in it, lol 😉
    Recipe by: Malina Malkani Nutrition
    SEE RECIPE
    Chocolate Avocado Banana Pudding in a square orange bowl placed on top of a palm leaf.
    4-Ingredient-Oatmeal-Cookies
    I know a cookie for breakfast sounds strange, but really, these 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies are made with just oats, one large ripe banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Plus, they only take 15 minutes to make! Make them and let me know how you decide to serve them!
    Recipe by: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN (Healthyish Appetite)
    SEE RECIPE
    Eight Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Banana Nice Cream
    You only need 2 ingredients (including two ripe bananas) and 5 minutes to make this light and refreshing Banana Nice Cream. So good!
    Recipe by: Lexi Cole RD, CCMS at To Taste
    SEE RECIPE
    Two small white ramekins filled with a scoop of Banana Nice Cream with an orange and white striped napkin to the left and a bunch of bananas in the background.
    Banana Walnut Biscotti
    You had me at Biscotti! This is a delicious recipe that calls for one ripe banana. It's perfect for when you are craving something crunchy and slightly sweet. Coffee anyone?
    Recipe by: Laura M. Ali, MS, RDN, LDN Culinary Nutritionist and author of the MIND Diet for Two.
    SEE RECIPE
    Eleven pieces of Banana Walnut Biscotti on a round wooden platter with a bowl of walnuts and a small package of California Walnuts behind the platter.

    More Banana Recipes That Aren't Bread

    Vegan Gingerbread Banana Waffles
    This homemade gingerbread waffle recipe is made with a combination of white whole wheat and almond flour (you know I love to use a combo of flours!) and uses a variety of spices like cinnamon, ground cloves, and fresh ginger to create an incredible gingerbread flavor. This recipe calls for one ripe banana, preferably from frozen.
    Recipe by: Melissa Altman-Traub MS, RDN, LDN
    SEE RECIPE
    Four quarters of a round waffle overlapping each other on a white plate and topped with banana slices. A small glass bowl with maple syrup is on the plate next to the waffle pieces.
    Gluten Free Banana Nut Protein Bars
    This easy protein bar recipe calls for three ripe bananas and is made without any added sugar or sugar substitutes. Egg whites, ground flax seeds, pecan halves, almond flour, and protein powder all contribute to its protein content.
    Recipe by: Laura Clevenger RDN
    SEE RECIPE
    Nine Gluten Free Banana Nut Protein Bars in a brownie pan.
    Banana Nutmeg Smoothie
    This easy and delicious smoothie contains 15 grams of protein and is made with five ingredients, including one frozen banana. Make it for a delicious breakfast or after school snack!
    Recipe by: Amy Gorin MS, RDN
    SEE RECIPE
    Banana Nutmeg Smoothie topped with a dusting of nutmeg. A gold and white stripped straw is in the glass and two additional straws are in front of the glass. A small wooden prep bowl is behind the glass.
    Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie
    This PB&J smoothie is just perfect for busy mornings and after school snacks! It's made with six simple ingredients, including one small very ripe or overripe banana, and ready in no time. Kids of all ages love it!
    SEE RECIPE
    Smoothie in a glass with one frozen strawberry and a straw.
    Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
    This baked oatmeal recipe is naturally sweetened with two ripe (or overripe) bananas, strawberries, and maple syrup. It's an easy and delicious recipe that your whole family will love!
    SEE RECIPE
    strawberry-banana baked oatmeal in a glass jar
    Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
    With 5 ingredients (including one frozen, overripe banana) and 10 minutes, you will have this incredible thick and creamy smoothie bowl ready in no time! It's high in protein and fiber, so it will help keep your kids feel full longer!
    SEE RECIPE
    Strawberry banana smoothie bowl served in a white bowl and topped with sliced banana, freeze dried strawberries, chia seeds, and chocolate chips.
    Incredible Flaxseed Pudding
    This easy peanut butter and banana flaxseed pudding makes a nutritious and delicious snack or quick 'on the go' breakfast. It's made with simple ingredients and only takes five minutes to make! This recipe calls for one small ripe banana.
    SEE RECIPE
    One serving of flaxseed pudding topped with banana slices, granola, and mini chocolate chips in the center, part of a second serving is showing in the bottom right corner, and mini chocolate chips and granola pieces are scattered around the surface.
    Watermelon Banana Smoothie
    This light and refreshing watermelon banana smoothie will become your new summertime favorite! It's made with four simple ingredients, including one-half of a frozen ripe banana, and is super quick to make.
    SEE RECIPE
    One tall glass of watermelon banana smoothie with a stainless-steel straw. A white plate with stacked watermelon slices is in the background.

    Dietitian Tip

    The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 25 grams per day for most people. Using ripe bananas in a recipe is an easy way to achieve a delicious level of sweetness without overdoing it on added sugar.

    Cost Saving Tips

    1. If you shop at Trader Joe's, you should know that they price bananas per banana, not per pound. So, when you are buying bananas at Trader Joe's, don't shy away from the larger bananas.
    2. Check your local grocery store to see if there is a discounted produce section. Oftentimes ripe bananas are placed with outdated produce at a discounted price.

    Questions You May Have

    What to do with a very ripe or overly ripe banana?

    Either bake with it asap or freeze it. Bananas can be frozen in their skin, but you'll need to let it defrost slightly in order to remove the peel before using it. Otherwise, break the banana into pieces (or just in half) and place banana pieces in a freezer-safe resealable bag to freeze.
    I've frozen bananas that are too ripe both ways. My kids are more likely to use bananas in a smoothie if they are frozen in pieces, without the skin on.

    How can you tell if a banana is rotten or overripe?

    If there is mold on any part of the banana peel or stem, it is rotten. Also, if it smells off or has liquid coming out of from the peel, it is rotten and needs to be thrown out.

    The peel of an overripe banana often looks yellow with brown spots or mostly brown. Some say you can still eat a banana when the peel is black. Be sure that there is no mold or liquid coming from the peel and that the banana still looks and smells like a banana once peeled.

    Do overripe bananas contain more sugar than ripe bananas?

    No. There is no difference in the amount of sugar between ripe and overripe bananas.

    How long can overripe bananas last in the fridge?

    Once bananas are overripe, I suggest freezing them or using them. Still, overripe bananas can be refrigerated for about five days.

    More Helpful Roundup Posts

    • Best School Lunch Boxes for Teens
    • 20+ Easy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
    • How to Eat Granola - 20 Easy Ideas
    • 55+ Easy Lunch Box Snacks

    Do you love the variety of recipes listed here? Let me know which ones are your favorite in the comments below!

    Don't forget to take a picture the banana recipes you make and tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

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    Kristi Ruth wearing a green long sleeved blouse and jeans, holding tri-colored carrots plated on a white oval platter with one hand and leaning on the counter with the other hand in a kitchen.
    Welcome! Kristi is a Registered Dietitian and busy mom of three, ages 7-15. After being displaced from a housefire in 2021, Kristi decided to say 'goodbye' to her long commute so she could turn her passion for sharing easy recipes and tips to help you learn what it means to feed your family well with less stress into a reality. Let's get cooking!

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