What Dessert Can I Make With Ripe Bananas?

Ripe bananas are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats. Their natural sweetness, creamy texture, and rich flavor make them perfect for a wide variety of desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe or something a bit more elaborate, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best desserts you can make with ripe bananas, including classic favorites and innovative new ideas.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2 to 3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Mix in the baking soda and salt.
Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Banana bread is a classic way to use ripe bananas. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your banana bread.

Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 to 8 ripe bananas
1 box vanilla wafers

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly.
Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually stir in a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the yolks, then add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly.
In a large bowl or individual serving dishes, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the pudding and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Banana pudding is a Southern classic that’s creamy, comforting, and full of banana flavor. The combination of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and homemade pudding is irresistible.

Banana Cream Pie

Ingredients:

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 ripe bananas
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges, then prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly.
Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually stir in a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the yolks, then add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.
Slice the bananas and arrange them in the cooled pie crust. Pour the custard over the bananas, spreading it evenly.
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the custard.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving.

Banana cream pie is a luscious and creamy dessert that’s perfect for banana lovers. The combination of a flaky crust, ripe bananas, rich custard, and whipped cream is simply divine.

Banoffee Pie

Ingredients:

1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 to 4 ripe bananas
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated chocolate or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges, then prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
In a large, deep saucepan, place the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of boiling water. Make sure the can is completely submerged. Boil for 2 to 3 hours, adding water as needed to keep the can submerged. Carefully remove the can from the water and let it cool before opening.
Spread the caramelized sweetened condensed milk (dulce de leche) evenly over the cooled pie crust.
Slice the bananas and arrange them on top of the caramel layer.
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the bananas.
Garnish with grated chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.

Banoffee pie is a British classic that’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly delicious. The combination of caramel, bananas, and whipped cream is a match made in dessert heaven.

Banana Fritters

Ingredients:

4 ripe bananas
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the milk and egg together.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Dip each banana slice into the batter, coating it completely.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the battered banana slices to the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.

Banana fritters are a quick and easy way to enjoy ripe bananas. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.

Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 ripe bananas, mashed
Butter or oil (for cooking)
Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the mashed bananas.
Heat a griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup.

Banana pancakes are a delicious and easy way to use ripe bananas. They’re fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

4 ripe bananas
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Peel and slice the bananas. Place the banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
In a food processor or blender, blend the frozen banana slices until smooth and creamy.
Add the heavy cream, sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined.
Transfer the banana ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Banana ice cream is a healthy and refreshing dessert that’s easy to make. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to customize your ice cream.

Banana Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, sugar, beaten egg, and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Banana muffins are a great way to enjoy ripe bananas. They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

In a blender, combine the bananas, milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice cubes and blend again if you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie.
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

A banana smoothie is a quick and healthy way to use ripe bananas. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Conclusion

Ripe bananas are a fantastic ingredient for a wide variety of desserts. Whether you prefer something classic like banana bread or banana pudding, or you’re in the mood for something more unique like banoffee pie or banana fritters, there’s a dessert for everyone. These recipes are easy to follow and use simple ingredients, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. So next time you have ripe bananas on hand, try one of these delicious desserts and enjoy the sweet taste of success!

Related Topics: