7 Ways to Use Ripe and Overripe Bananas

Many of us have probably fallen into the cycle of overbuying bananas, only to end up scrambling to make banana bread once they're too ripe to eat. As much as we all love baking up one of those tasty loaves (and not wasting our food!), you can only make it so many times before you're ready to try some non-bread options.

So, what else can you do with ripe bananas? Instead of tossing them out or composting them, make it your mission to get a little more creative in the kitchen. If you have a bunch sitting on your counter right now, these recipes won't disappoint: There's cookies, brownies, pancakes, and more.

What to Do with Ripe Bananas

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Who doesn't love a good chocolate chip cookie? Adding ripe bananas to the cookie dough can only make it better. These cookies are delicious, perfectly soft, and a great way to bring some variety to an already sweet treat.

2. Banana Pudding

Looking for a quick and easy dessert for your next get-together? Look no further than this banana pudding. Vanilla wafers, instant pudding mix, ripe bananas, and Cool Whip join forces to make the ultimate summer treat that everybody will love.

3. Vegan Banana Brownies

A brownie recipe that's vegan and lets you use your ripe bananas? Yes, please. This dessert only uses eight simple ingredients, resulting in a moist, cakey, chocolatey dessert you won't be able to resist. We're already drooling!

4. Banana Upside Down Cake

Just one look at this gorgeous upside down cake and you'll be itching to cut yourself a slice. The ooey, gooey cake is super easy to make and blends caramel and banana for a flavor combo that'll blow your mind.

5. Baked Bananas

There are plenty of recipes out there that call for baking bananas into another baked good. Now, try baking the bananas alone! This super simple dish combines bananas with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to make an easy yet delightful dessert.

6. Banana Pecan Muffins

Looking for a non-traditional way to have bananas for breakfast? These banana pecan muffins pair great with a cup of Joe, and you can whip them up using some of the ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

7. Vegan Banana Pancakes

These pancakes are so good that you'll want to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All you need is one ripe banana and a handful of other common ingredients! You might want to whip up a side of banana peel bacon, too.

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