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    20 Healthy Ripe Banana Recipes (that aren’t banana bread or smoothies!)

    April 19, 2017 by Chrissy Carroll 18 Comments

    These 20 healthy ripe banana recipes will ensure you always have something besides banana bread to make with those extra browning bananas!

    Last month we had a little shindig for my son’s second birthday.  I went with a Curious George theme – we made pizzas with the kids a la “Curious George and the Pizza Party” and we had a banana split bar for dessert.  I definitely overbought bananas, though, and a week later we had some browning ones sitting on our counter begging to be used.

    I set aside a bunch for smoothies, but still had quite a few to use up.  Since I already had banana muffins stocked away in the freezer too, I needed something new.  Something different than the traditional banana breads, banana muffins, smoothies, and nice creams (though all of those are awesome too!).

    But in searching the web for recipes for ripe bananas other than banana bread, I was coming up a little short on healthy options.  So I reached out to my fellow dietitian friends and food bloggers to find their favorite healthy ripe banana recipes! 

    Healthy is of course a subjective term, so some of these may be ‘healthy’ in a way that suits a need – like it’s allergen-friendly or vegan.  But on the whole these are some good-for-ya, nutrient-rich options.

    Next time you have some browning bananas sitting on your counter, whip up one of these recipes.

    20 Healthy Ripe Banana Recipes (that aren’t banana bread or smoothies!)

    1. No Added Sugar Banana Raisin Oatmeal Cups from Better is the New Perfect

    These baked oatmeal cups are perfect for snacking or an addition to your breakfast plate.  There’s no added sugar; the sweetness naturally comes from the bananas and raisins.

    These banana raisin oatmeal cups are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Snack | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    2. Blender Bliss Banana Date Oatmeal Cookies from Desi-licious RD

    Another no added sugar recipe!  To make these, just toss a few simple ingredients together in a blender then bake into chewy, wholesome cookies.

    These banana date cookies are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Snack | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    3. Gluten Free Banana Pancakes with Apple Compote from NutrITionally

    These filling banana pancakes feel like a treat – but are still nutritious!  Plus, for anyone with food allergies, they’re gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, nut free & soy free. 

    These banana pancakes with apple compote are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    4.  Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Pudding from Bite of Health Nutrition

    5 simple ingredients make up this indulgent breakfast – and then you can add toppings to your  heart’s desire (like peanut butter and banana, or yogurt and berries).

    This dark chocolate banana oatmeal is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    5.  Grain Free Banana Granola from A Saucy Kitchen

    I would have never thought to use banana to sweeten a granola recipe but it’s brilliant.  This version is grain free (but I’ve also made this recipe by cutting out the cashews and adding in a few cups of oats).  It’s yummy, and probably one of my favorite recipes for ripe bananas other than banana bread.

    This homemade banana granola is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    6.  Healthy Banana Bread Granola from Lively Table

    Another yummy banana granola recipe!  This one includes a mixture of oats and nuts and has no added sugar.  I love this one too.

    This homemade banana granola is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    7.  Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Snacking in Sneakers

    These babies are a great healthy ripe banana recipe – they’re kind of like a cookie-muffin top hybrid.  They were a go-to sweet treat for me when I was nursing since they’re dairy, soy, and egg free!  (They’re also nut free, so this is another recipe that’s ideal for many food allergies).

    These healthy banana oatmeal cookies are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    8.  Quick Banana Salsa from Healing Tomato

    Banana in a salsa?!  Count me in!  (And serious bonus points for creativity).  This version also has tomatoes, cucumbers, coconut, and more.  I can’t wait to give it a whirl.

    This quick banana salsa is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Salsa Recipe | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

     

    9.  Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding from Nutrition Starring You

    A breakfast pudding that packs in 17 grams of plant-based protein and 18 grams of fiber?  Heck yes!

    This peanut butter chia pudding is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    10. Peanut Butter Banana Mocha S’mores Waffles from Eat Right Live Well

    S’mores waffles.  Need I say more?!

    These smores waffles are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Breakfast | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    11. Flourless Gluten Free Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting from The Athletic Avocado

    For those of you looking for minimal ingredient, whole food dessert recipes – this is a nice one.  The cake itself is just simple ingredients.

    This flourless gluten free banana cake is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    12.  Banana Oat Bars from The Lean Green Bean

    This is one of my favorite recipes to make with my son.  He loves them!  

    These banana oat bars are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    13.  Peanut Butter Banana Cups from A Virtual Vegan

    I’ve been digging healthier peanut butter cup recipes lately.  Probably because Easter just passed and those Reese’s eggs are a total temptation.  But I like this version as a better-for-you option!  This recipe only calls for 1 tbsp of added sugar thanks to the natural sweetening power of the bananas.  

    These peanut butter banana cups are a better-for-you version of your favorite candy – and are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    14.  Banana Date Granola Bars from A Saucy Kitchen

    These bars have no added sugar, being naturally sweetened with dates and bananas.  You can add an optional chocolate drizzle to the top (I highly recommend it, because – well, chocolate).

    These banana date granola bars are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    15.  Banana Nut Butter Donuts from Raia’s Recipes

    I cannot wait to make these!  For anyone with dietary limitations, these are grain free/gluten free and dairy free.  They also contain no added sugar in the donut, and just a smidge of honey in the nut butter frosting.  YUM.  A perfect healthy ripe banana recipe!

    These banana nut butter donuts are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    16.  Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas from Dizzy Busy and Hungry

    What a yummy dessert that only requires a few ingredients!  I’d use these with slightly overripe bananas – not ones that have become really mushy to the touch.  You can also reduce or eliminate the sugar if you’d like to!

    These pan fried cinnamon bananas are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    17. Banana Blueberry Smoothie Pops from Kleinworth & Co.

    This is one of the simplest recipes in this roundup – made with just three ingredients.  I guess technically it’s a different version of a smoothie, but these looked so delish as popsicles that I wanted them in here!

    These blueberry banana smoothie popsicles are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    18. Chocolate Banana Oat Bites from the Nutrition Adventure

    I’ve been all about the energy bites lately, so these will definitely be going down in my kitchen soon!

    These chocolate banana oat bites are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    19.  Frozen Banana Bites from Snacking in Sneakers

    Just three ingredients makes these amazing frozen snacks!  I recommend making a big batch ahead of time on the weekend and then keeping them in a freezer bag and popping them out to snack on throughout the week.

    These frozen banana bites are a perfect way to use up overripe bananas! | Healthy Dessert | Overripe Banana Recipes | Ripe Banana Recipes | Healthy Banana Recipes

    20. Chocolate Almond Butter Overnight Oats from Apples for CJ

    Overnight oats are so convenient for a make-ahead breakfast (perfect for kids on busy school days or adults on busy workdays!).  This version is vegan and gluten free.

    Chocolate Almond Butter Overnight Oats

    Share with me:  Do you have any more ideas for other recipes for ripe bananas other than banana bread?!  Which of these healthy ripe banana recipes are you dying to try?  What do you usually make with your overripe bananas?  

    • Author
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    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. Elizabeth Ward

      April 19, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Awesome array of recipes! I want to try every one. Thanks for including my recipe.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks so much! Your banana raisin oatmeal cups look fab – can’t wait to make a batch asap.

        Reply
    2. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner

      April 19, 2017 at 9:05 am

      This is great! I love the look of those raisin banana muffins. Thanks for the great ideas

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks Deborah! Lots of choices for the next time you have some browning bananas 🙂

        Reply
    3. Abbey Sharp

      April 19, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      I have a ton of overripe bananas in my freezer, so this post is perfect timing! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        Yay, glad this could be helpful!

        Reply
    4. [email protected]

      April 19, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      Great collection of recipes for ripe bananas! Always looking for ideas and Thanks for sharing mine 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:32 pm

        Thanks for sharing your recipe! It looks awesome!

        Reply
    5. Kaleigh @ Lively Table

      April 19, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      These all look delicious! I purposely buy too many bananas so I can make yummy treats like this – not hard to let mine get brown since I’ll only eat them plain if they’re green! Thanks for including my granola!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:33 pm

        I love your granola recipe! I made both yours and the other one in this roundup with those Curious George party bananas we had leftover!

        Reply
    6. Jessica @Nutritioulicious

      April 19, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      If only I liked bananas, haha! These look like awesome recipes regardless!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:34 pm

        Hahaha, I guess not liking bananas would ruin most of the recipes on this list 😉

        Reply
    7. Carmy @ carmyy.com

      April 19, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      I need to try the granola!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:34 pm

        Go for it – it’s awesome!

        Reply
    8. Raia Todd

      April 20, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      What an amazing round-up! There are so many I can’t wait to try. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing my Banana Nut Butter Donuts. I hope you enjoy them. 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:35 pm

        Those donuts look SO good! I can’t wait to try them!!

        Reply
    9. Esther

      April 20, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      So many new recipes to try!!
      I love me some bananas! My freezer is full of bananas to use!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 21, 2017 at 6:37 pm

        Awesome! Glad you found some new ideas.

        Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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