10+ Healthy Banana Recipes to Brighten Your Snack Time

Bananas are such a tasty, natural way to add some sweetness and nutrition to your meals. They’re easy to find, affordable, and you can use them in all sorts of healthy recipes for just about any taste or diet.

Healthy banana recipes help you enjoy this fruit while keeping your meals balanced and nourishing. Whether you’re after snacks, breakfast ideas, or desserts, bananas can be your go-to for keeping things simple (and honestly, pretty wholesome).

1) Flourless Peanut Butter Banana Bars

These bars are a super simple, healthy snack you can whip up fast. No flour needed—so they’re a solid choice if you want to dodge gluten or just keep things lighter.

You get that natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a nice protein kick from peanut butter. The texture is soft and chewy, and hey, toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling it.

Mix everything in one bowl, so you don’t end up with a pile of dishes. You can grab one for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up that genuinely tastes good.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (room temp)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, and egg until blended.
4. Add almond flour, cinnamon, and baking soda; mix well.
5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour batter into a greased 8×8 inch pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and set.
8. Cool before cutting into bars.

Try these bars for a quick, healthy treat you’ll want to make again!

flourless peanut butter banana bars recipe

2) Whole Wheat Banana Bread with Honey

This banana bread is a healthier take on the classic. You swap in whole wheat flour for extra fiber and nutrients.

Honey brings a gentle sweetness that feels just right. Bananas make the loaf super moist and full of flavor.

You can use vegetable or coconut oil, and it works for breakfast or a snack. The recipe is pretty forgiving, especially if you’re trying to use up those sad, overripe bananas.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup vegetable or coconut oil
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the oil and honey in a bowl.
3. Add mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mix.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
8. Cool before slicing and serving.

3) Vegan Banana Muffins

These vegan banana muffins are easy and naturally sweet. Ripe bananas do all the work—no eggs or dairy needed.

They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. You can use oats, banana, and a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.

Some folks go for whole wheat or gluten-free flour if that’s your thing. A little cinnamon makes them extra cozy.

You can find a simple recipe for vegan banana muffins with just four ingredients that comes together quickly and is oil-free and refined sugar-free. These muffins stay moist and soft without any animal products.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)
• ½ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup oats (optional)
• ¼ cup plant-based milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
3. Mix in the plant-based milk and sweetener.
4. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and oats. Stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into a muffin tin lined with cups.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

These muffins are great for a healthy start to your day or a tasty snack. For more ideas, see the vegan banana muffin recipes at Nora Cooks.

4) Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

Gluten-free banana pancakes make breakfast easy and tasty, even if you’re avoiding gluten. They’re soft, fluffy, and have that perfect banana sweetness.

You probably have the ingredients already. Kids and adults both love them.

Top with peanut butter, fruit, or a drizzle of honey if you want. They cook up fast—great for busy mornings.

If you want a quick recipe, try these easy gluten-free banana pancakes that use oat flour or a mix of gluten-free flours for the batter.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: cinnamon or vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
2. Beat the eggs and mix them with the bananas.
3. Add oat flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spices. Stir until combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
5. Pour batter to form small pancakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side until golden.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes offer more tips and variations.

5) Greek Yogurt and Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is simple and loaded with protein from Greek yogurt. You get a creamy texture and that mild tang, which goes really well with sweet banana.

Frozen bananas make the smoothie thick and cold—no need for ice. Use almond milk or whatever milk you like as the base.

If you want, add a spoonful of peanut butter or honey for a little extra flavor. It’s a solid quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup milk (almond, coconut, or dairy)
• Optional: 1 tbsp peanut butter or honey

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add banana, Greek yogurt, and milk to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and add peanut butter or honey if you want.
4. Blend again for a few seconds and serve.

You can find more details on a Greek Yogurt Banana Smoothie.

6) Banana and Kale Green Smoothie

A banana and kale smoothie is super easy and packed with nutrients. Banana brings the sweetness, and kale adds that green boost.

Start your day with it or just grab one for a snack. Use regular milk or plant-based milk to keep things creamy.

A little honey or maple syrup gives it extra sweetness if you want. Toss in a few ice cubes to make it cold and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 2 cups chopped kale
• ½ cup plant-based or regular milk
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
• A few ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Place banana, kale, and milk in a blender.
2. Add maple syrup or honey if you want it sweeter.
3. Toss in ice cubes.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.

See more banana and kale smoothie ideas.

7) Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich

A banana peanut butter sandwich is about as easy and satisfying as snacks get. The banana’s sweetness just works with creamy, nutty peanut butter.

Eat it cold or grill it for a warm, melty treat. Grilling makes the peanut butter gooey and the banana extra soft.

It’s almost like dessert, but it’s healthy enough for a snack. Any bread works, but soft white or whole wheat is my pick.

Add honey or cinnamon if you want to change it up. This sandwich is quick to whip up and gives you lasting energy.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
2. Slice or mash the banana and place it on the other slice.
3. Put the slices together to form a sandwich.
4. Optional: Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) until golden brown and warm, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8) Banana Walnut Muffins (Eggless)

You can make banana walnut muffins without eggs and still get a soft, moist treat. Ripe bananas bring sweetness, and walnuts add a nice crunch.

It’s a simple recipe—just mix everything in one bowl. The muffins bake up quick and make a great snack or breakfast.

Bananas keep things sweet, so you don’t need much sugar. Walnuts give you healthy fats and a bit of texture.

Baking these feels satisfying and the result is a wholesome treat. Enjoy them warm or take a few on the go.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Add oil, sugar, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt carefully.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Scoop batter into muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool before serving.

9) Chocolate Banana Nut Energy Bites

You can whip up a snack with just chocolate, banana, and nuts. These energy bites come together fast and taste pretty great.

Ripe bananas mix with oats and walnuts for a sweet crunch that doesn’t feel forced. No baking needed here—just stir, shape into balls, and chill.

If you want them extra chocolatey, toss in some cocoa or a handful of chocolate chips. That’s really all it takes.

Stash them in the fridge or freezer, and they’ll be ready whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 medium ripe banana
• 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup raw walnuts
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add oats, walnuts, coconut, and cocoa powder. Mix well.
3. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
4. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Find more details at Chocolate Banana Energy Bites.

10) Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites

These bites are honestly so easy—no oven, barely any mess. You just mash up banana, stir in chia seeds, oats, peanut butter, and a bit of honey.

They taste like banana bread but in a snack you can grab on your way out the door. I find them perfect for a quick breakfast or when you’re just hungry and don’t want to think too hard.

You only need a handful of ingredients and a food processor. Once you mix everything, chill the bites until they’re firm enough to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by mashing the banana in a bowl.

2. Toss in the peanut butter, oats, chia seeds, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

3. Mix it all up until you can’t spot any dry bits and everything looks pretty even.

4. Scoop out the mixture and roll it into little bite-sized balls.

5. Set them on a tray, then slide the tray into the fridge.

6. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes.

7. Grab a few and enjoy—cold is great, but honestly, room temp works too.

You can check out the full recipe for these Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites here.