10+ Banana Recipes Overripe You’ll Love to Make and Share

Overripe bananas get a bad rap, but honestly, they’re a goldmine for tasty recipes. You can turn those soft, spotted bananas into all kinds of treats and snacks instead of just tossing them.

They add natural sweetness and moisture to dishes, which makes them perfect for baking and cooking. If you’ve got a few bananas that look a little too far gone, don’t worry—they’re actually easier to mash and mix into recipes.

You’ll get to try new flavors and cut down on food waste at the same time. Whether you’re after something super simple or a little more impressive, there’s a recipe here for you.

1) Classic Banana Bread

Classic banana bread is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you see overripe bananas on your counter. This recipe is simple and always results in a moist, flavorful loaf.

You don’t need any fancy gadgets—just a bowl and a spoon. As the bread bakes, your kitchen smells amazing and cozy.

It works for breakfast or as a snack. If you want, toss in some nuts or chocolate chips.

Toasting a slice makes it even better. It’s a solid way to avoid wasting those bananas.

Ingredients

• 3 overripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas with melted butter in a large bowl.
3. Stir in baking soda and salt.
4. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Add flour and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before slicing.

2) Banana-Pumpkin Bundt Cake

You can whip up a soft, flavorful banana-pumpkin bundt cake with those ripe bananas. The bananas make it sweet and moist, and pumpkin puree with cinnamon and nutmeg gives it that autumn vibe.

It’s not overly sweet, so you can snack on it any time. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients already.

The mix of banana and pumpkin is surprisingly good. And using a bundt pan makes it look kind of fancy, even if you’re just eating it at home.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
3. Add pumpkin, oil, eggs, and sugar; mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
6. Pour batter into a greased bundt pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before removing from the pan.

You can find more tips in the Banana-Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe.

3) Dark Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt

Try making banana bread with dark chocolate and Greek yogurt for something a little different. The bananas add sweetness and moisture, and Greek yogurt keeps things soft but not heavy.

Dark chocolate swirled through the batter looks beautiful and tastes rich. It’s a good breakfast or snack, not too sweet, just right.

You’ll mix the cocoa with hot water for the chocolate swirl, then fold everything together and marble it. The whole thing comes together pretty easily.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons hot water
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 2 large overripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine hot water and cocoa powder.
4. Mash bananas and mix with yogurt, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
5. Stir dry ingredients into banana mix.
6. Pour half the batter in a pan, add cocoa mix, then top with batter.
7. Swirl gently to create a marble look.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before slicing.

Check out the full recipe at Dark Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt.

4) Banana Bread Mug Cake

If you want a quick treat, try a banana bread mug cake. It’s moist, sweet, and ready in just a few minutes.

You only need basic ingredients, and you can mix everything right in the mug. The microwave does all the work—no oven needed.

It’s perfect for when you want just one serving. Add chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chocolate chips or nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the banana in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add the egg, butter, milk, and sugar. Mix well.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
4. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts if you like.
5. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until cooked through.
6. Let it cool for a minute before eating.

Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. For more ideas, check this banana bread mug cake recipe.

5) Banana Ice Cream

Banana ice cream is ridiculously easy and surprisingly good. You just need bananas—nothing else.

Slice and freeze them, then blend until smooth. That’s it.

You can add peanut butter or vanilla if you want, but honestly, plain banana is sweet and creamy on its own. It’s a quick, healthy dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice bananas into 1-inch pieces.
2. Freeze banana pieces for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Place frozen bananas in a food processor.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

More details at the Banana Ice Cream Recipe.

6) Chocolate Banana Smoothie

A chocolate banana smoothie is a super easy way to use up those overripe bananas. Bananas blend perfectly with cocoa powder and milk for a creamy, sweet drink.

You can use any milk you like—almond, oat, soy, whatever’s in the fridge. Frozen bananas make the smoothie thick and cold, so you don’t need ice.

It’s great for breakfast or a quick snack. Just a few ingredients and you’re set.

Ingredients

• 1 to 1.5 frozen overripe bananas (about 6 oz)
• ¾ cup milk of your choice
• ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and freeze your overripe bananas beforehand.
2. Add bananas, cocoa powder, and milk to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.

7) Zucchini Banana Bread

Zucchini banana bread is a sneaky way to use up both overripe bananas and extra zucchini. Bananas keep it sweet, and the zucchini keeps it moist.

Super ripe bananas give you the best flavor. If you want, toss in walnuts or cranberries for a little crunch or tartness.

This bread is nice for breakfast or with coffee. Got leftover bananas and zucchini? This is your answer.

Ingredients

• 4 overripe bananas
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix wet ingredients: bananas, zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
4. Stir dry ingredients into wet until just mixed.
5. Fold in walnuts if you want.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before slicing.

8) The BEST Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a classic way to use up those overripe bananas. They make your pancakes sweeter and softer without much effort.

Mash the bananas until they’re really smooth so the flavor gets into every bite. Overripe bananas also add a nice aroma.

If you like, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra cozy twist. It pairs so well with banana.

Ingredients

• 2 overripe bananas
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth.
2. Add the egg and milk, then mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spices.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
6. Pour batter into the pan to form pancakes.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes each side or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

9) Soft Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

You only need a few ingredients to whip up these soft baked banana oatmeal bars. Overripe bananas are perfect—they bring that sweet flavor without any extra fuss.

These bars end up chewy and kind of comforting, honestly. I like them for breakfast, but they’re just as good as a snack.

Just mash some bananas, toss in oats, and add a bit of honey or coconut oil. No flour required, which keeps things simple.

They bake in about 20 minutes. You can eat them warm, or let them chill out and have them cold later.

Want to mix things up? Throw in some nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. They keep fine in the fridge for a few days, so you can make them ahead.

Ingredients

• 2 large overripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons honey or coconut oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
3. Add oats and honey or coconut oil, mix well.
4. Spread mixture evenly in a lined baking pan.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until set but soft.
6. Cool before slicing into bars.

For a detailed guide, check out Soft Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars.

10) Banana Breakfast Cookies

Banana breakfast cookies are just a fun, easy way to use up those spotty bananas. Overripe ones work best—they make everything sweet and moist without much effort.

These cookies turn out soft and a little chewy. I’ll grab one on my way out the door, or sneak one as a snack later.

You can totally make them your own. Toss in nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips if you want a little something extra.

Ingredients

• 2 overripe bananas
• ¼ cup coconut oil (liquid)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mash the bananas in a bowl. Keep going until they’re pretty smooth.

3. Stir in the coconut oil, peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.

4. Add the oats and baking powder. Mix everything together until it looks combined.

5. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the cookies to look lightly golden.

7. Let them cool down a bit before you dig in.

Honestly, these cookies make mornings way more fun.

For more tips, check out this banana breakfast cookies recipe.