Have a bunch of bananas sitting in your fruit bowl? Put them to good use with these easy dietitian-approved healthy banana recipes, including breads, muffins, smoothies, brownies, oatmeal, cookies and more! Ripe bananas are budget-friendly and nutrient-dense, making them the perfect addition to nourishing recipes. Enjoy them as a delicious source of natural sweetness in so many breakfasts and baked goods!
I love baking with bananas because they provide a rich texture and sweetness that is simply the best. Let's learn more about bananas, shall we?
What to make with ripe bananas
The sky's the limit when it comes to using all those bananas for extra flavor, sweetness, and moisture. I love to add spotty bananas to smoothies (especially frozen for creaminess), overnight oats, and steel-cut oatmeal.
And, of course, bananas are delicious in lots of baked goods, like muffins, cookies, banana bread, brownies, and baked oatmeal.
Most (if not all!) of these recipes are toddler or kid-friendly, too! So the whole family can enjoy these tasty treats.
How to store bananas
Have a bunch of ripe bananas that you aren't ready to eat or bake with and wondering how to store them? My preferred method of storage is to peel the bananas and store them in the freezer in a plastic bag or airtight container.
You can also slice your bananas, or cut them in half, to make them easier to portion out when you're ready to use them!
Health benefits
Despite what you may have heard, bananas are packed with nutrients! As a dietitian, they're one of my fave snack foods with a smear of peanut butter, and (as you can tell from this post), I love including them in baked goods and other recipes.
Even though bananas are a source of carbohydrates, they have a relatively low glycemic index (a measure of how much, and how quickly, a certain food increases your blood sugar levels) thanks to their fiber and resistant starch content.
The bananas most commonly eaten in the U.S. are the Cavendish variety, and are rich in:
- fiber
- potassium
- vitamins C and B6
- manganese
- many other antioxidants and phytonutrients!
How do you ripen bananas quickly?
If you don't have ripe bananas lying around, don't worry! There are a few different options for quick ripening. Try placing them in a brown paper bag with a ripe apple to speed up the ripening process.
Placing the bananas in a sunny, warm window can also make your bananas ripen more quickly.
If you need ripe and sweet bananas NOW, you can always place the bananas on a cookie sheet in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.
And yes, overripe bananas are safe (and delicious) to eat! Dark brown, super spotty, even black bananas are usually the sweetest and best options for baking.
Can I use frozen bananas in baking?
Yes! I recommend fully thawing frozen bananas at room temperature, draining any excess liquid, mashing, and then measuring the amount of banana.
If you use frozen bananas without thawing and draining them, they will add too much moisture to your final product. You may need to use a bit more bananas if you use frozen.
Nourishing banana recipes
Legit the Best Gluten Free Banana Bread
My favorite healthy banana bread that happens to be gluten free! Super moist, lightly sweetened, and easily made in one bowl.
Nourishing Rich Chocolate Banana Muffins
My favorite ever chocolate banana muffins with almond and oat flour and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. My kiddos adore them, too! Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Incredible Vegan Banana Bread
Easy Vegan Banana Bread that's whole grain, perfectly sweet and moist, and takes less than 10 minutes to whip up! A healthy and simple recipe that will be the only banana bread you ever need.
Healthy Blender Spinach Muffins (nut free!)
Fluffy Spinach Muffins made right in the blender with old fashioned oats, ripe bananas, and fresh spinach. Naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and ready in 30 minutes with bakery-worthy domed tops.
Bakery-Style Whole Wheat Banana Bread (with peanut butter!)
Life-changing, oh so fluffy whole wheat banana bread packed with tons of banana flavor (literally 5 bananas) and a crackly, crunchy top. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and a kiss of pb, this moist, whole grain loaf is sure to convert all the banana bread lovers in your life.
Fluffy Pumpkin Banana Bread (healthier!)
I crave this crazy moist pumpkin banana bread with an irresistible crackly crust all fall! It has the best texture thanks to lots of ripe banana, canned pumpkin puree, whole grain flour, almond butter, and maple syrup. With 6g protein and 4g fiber per slice, it's also super satisfying.
Banana Brownies (Grain Free!)
Incredible 8-ingredient Banana Brownies! Moist, rich brownies with a hint of banana flavor. Made with peanut butter and sweetened with maple syrup, these better-for-you-brownies come together in no time. One bowl, simple to make, and gluten free.
Flourless Banana Chocolate Chip Bars (with peanut butter!)
Grab your ripest bananas and bake these fluffy, epically moist Banana Bars! Made with peanut butter and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, no flour needed. These gluten free and dairy free beauts double as a tasty dessert and nourishing snack.
Healthy Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Look forward to breakfast again with easy and filling Banana Overnight Oats made with nourishing staples like rolled oats, protein-packed Greek yogurt, chia seeds, peanut butter and cinnamon. Spend 10 minutes at night and wake up to a healthy, satisfying oatmeal breakfast.
Filling Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ultra creamy 5-minute Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie that tastes like a chocolate milkshake! Made in the blender with frozen bananas, salted peanut butter, cacao powder and Greek yogurt for extra protein. 13g protein and 8g fiber.
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Soft-baked, hearty Banana Breakfast Cookies made in under 25 minutes with easy ingredients like bananas, oats, peanut butter, and coconut. Kids love these, and parents love that they're packed with whole grains, fiber and protein!
One Bowl Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread
Super moist Healthy Blueberry Banana Bread bejeweled with fresh blueberries that tastes like cake! This delicious quick bread is naturally sweetened with honey, lower in sugar, and made with wholesome ingredients like almond and oat flour.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Zucchini Smoothie
Creamy Zucchini Smoothie that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup milkshake! A nutrient powerhouse with 9g of protein and 8g of fiber.
Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
Start your morning with easy, satisfying Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal! Lightly sweetened and studded with blueberries for a healthy breakfast of champs.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread (gluten free!)
Deliciously moist and rich Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread! This easy gluten-free and dairy free treat made with almond and oat flour will become your new favorite snack or breakfast.
10-Minute Caramelized Banana French Toast
Grab your crusty bread and enjoy a hotel-worthy breakfast at home in minutes! This simple banana french toast recipe uses challah bread dunked in a mixture of ripe banana, eggs, vanilla, and a kiss of almond extract.
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (no added sugar!)
The easiest recipe for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with 7 ingredients and no added sugar. These have a soft, cakey texture. Done in 25 minutes, they're are a great healthy snack for toddlers, kids and adults.
Fluffy Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins
Oh so fluffy, tender, and moist Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins full of whole grains. These delicious muffins make the ultimate healthy snack or simple on-the-go breakfast!
One Bowl Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread
This 1 bowl Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread is a super moist, 100% whole grain treat packed with chocolate goodness! Great for breakfast or dessert. I made three loaves of this before I was happy enough to share the recipe. I won't be grating another zucchini for a hot minute, I'll tell ya that. This
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins (kid-friendly!)
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins that are super moist, flourless and protein-packed! A fun kid-friendly healthy snack that's low in sugar and gluten free.
Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups
Lightly sweetened whole-grain Baked Oatmeal Cups with banana and zucchini make the perfect healthy breakfast or afternoon snack on-the-go! So moist and delish with a smear of peanut butter.
Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Super moist 100% whole grain Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins with no oil and packed with veggies! Whip up a batch for easy healthy breakfasts on-the-go.
Nourishing Banana Coconut Muffins
Amazingly moist Banana Coconut Muffins made with wholesome ingredients like ripe banana, almond flour, oat flour, maple syrup, and plenty of toasty coconut!
Carrot Banana Bread
Super moist Carrot Banana Bread made with wholesome ingredients for a nourishing dessert or snack.
Ultimate Gluten Free Banana Muffins
Super moist and tasty Healthy Banana Muffins with walnuts that happen to be gluten free! Lightly sweetened with maple syrup, these muffins are the ultimate easy snack.
Banana Protein Bars
Easy homemade Banana Protein Bars naturally sweetened with banana make the perfect nourishing snack to fuel you all all week! Hi, I'm a new mom and now I can never have enough bars. I go to pump and I MUST HAVE thirty seven snacks. The bedside table is bursting at the seams with portable sustenance.
Healthy Pumpkin Bars
Incredible Healthy Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall treat! Made in one bowl with good for you ingredients plus no flour, oil, or refined sugar. They come together in no time!
Tart Cherry Orange Bread
Amazing gluten free Cherry Orange Bread bursting with bright citrus flavor! Naturally sweetened, made with wholesome ingredients and perfect with coffee.
Snickerdoodle Chickpea Smoothie
A deliciously creamy smoothie made with chickpeas that tastes just like a snickerdoodle cookie! Sip on this healthy high-protein smoothie for a balanced breakfast or post-workout treat.
Chai-Spiced Carrot Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
The most epically moist and delicious Healthy Chai-Spiced Carrot Banana Bread loaded with warming spices and topped with the most amazing cream cheese frosting. 100% whole grain and vegan!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
A creamy, healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie that tastes like classic pumpkin pie in a glass! Naturally sweetened for an irresistibly delish breakfast.
Vegan Banana Zucchini Overnight Oats
Creamy Banana Zucchini Overnight Oats are the perfect healthy summer breakfast! All you need is six ingredients, no cooking required.
Baby Banana Oat Muffins (Nut Free + Iron-Rich!)
Super moist Baby Banana Oat Muffins with no added sugar! Perfect for baby led weaning and a great source of iron for little ones. Gluten, dairy, egg, and nut free.
Vegan Chocolate Banana Muffins (no added sugar!)
Vegan Chocolate Banana Muffins sweetened with dates and banana for a tasty, satisfying snack with no added sugar! Free of eggs, dairy, and gluten.
Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Pizza (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
Easy and fun Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Pizza made with nourishing ingredients like chickpea flour, cinnamon, and plenty of peanut butter and ripe banana! High in fiber and plant protein, this makes a great kid-friendly breakfast.
Flourless Banana Zucchini Cake Cookies
These easy Banana Zucchini Cake Cookies are so soft and pillowy that you'd never guess were healthy! In addition to being vegan and gluten-free, that also have zero oil, butter, and refined sugar.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Beautifully thick and creamy Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl is the healthy breakfast of dreams! It's perfect for Valentine's Day breakfast but just as delicious year-round.
Thomas m reeber sr says
I thought it was a bannana bread recipe??
Alexis Joseph says
There are many banana bread recipes in the post, I'm not sure what you're asking? It's a post of healthy recipes using banana per the title.
Sally says
This post is so timely - I have several overripe bananas sitting on my counter! I was planning on freezing for smoothies, but excited for this inspo to do something else with them!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy let me know what you try!!