I absolutely HATE wasting food. I always have good intentions (and apparently a very empty stomach) when I grocery shop about all the things I plan to make and what my toddler will surely eat. But as the days go by post-shopping trip, my food starts to look a little droopy and less appetizing. Top of my “food gone bad” list? Bananas! I’ve made so many loaves of banana bread that I’ve lost count and sooner than later my family is going to start boycotting it. Well after a little searching, I’ve discovered there are TONS of ways I can use my browning bananas, and they don’t involve bread. Check out these 5 recipes and run to the kitchen to rescue your poor bananas!
And be sure to read all the way through to see these recipes in action by one of our very own LifeAsMama team member’s adorable kiddos!
1. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great sweet treat or even a meal replacement. They are tasty and filling and are best when you have some browning ‘nanners!
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas
3 Cups Ice
1 Cup Milk or Yogurt
Instructions
- Add bananas and milk/yogurt to a blender, then top off with ice. Blend all ingredients at high speed and voila!
- You can also add other great flavor combos like peanut butter for some extra protein!
This recipe is from ChiquitaBananas.com so you know it’s good! Head over there to see all the other amazing recipes they have especially for bananas.
Source: TheKitchn.com
2. Banana Soft Serve
This may be the easiest recipe because all you need is one thing: your old bananas! Best part, it’s completely healthy!
Ingredients
1 large ripe banana
Instructions
- Peel ripe bananas and cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. Make sure they are not too large.
- Place banana pieces in a freezer bag or freezer safe container, and freeze for a minimum of 2 hours, up to overnight (the longer the better!)
- After freezing, remove bananas and place in food processor for blending. It is possible to use a blender, but the processor seems to work better and quicker.
- Start blending and continue until the banana reaches the appearance of soft-serve ice-cream. It will go through various stages of looking like chunks, mush and oatmeal before getting to ice-cream status!
- Blend a little more so it gets some air and then put in a container to freeze a little more until solid. You can eat right away but it won’t be as cold or solid.
Check out the full recipe with step by step pictures at TheKitchn.com. This site has TONS of recipes, tutorials and advice for the cooker and baker.
Source: AmbitiousKitchen.com
3. Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are amazing because they can be served for breakfast or as a healthy snack! Oh yeah, and they only have 2 ingredients!
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add oats to blender or food processor and blend until mostly smooth, resembling flour.
- Add blended oats to bowl of mashed bananas and combine. Here’s where you can add in anything extra that sounds tasty, like chocolate chips, raisins, etc. Add about a 1/2 cup.
- Coat a cookie sheet with baking spray and drop large tablespoons of mixture onto sheet. Then flatten out cookie. Bake for 9-12 minutes and then remove to cool. All done!
If you want more healthy recipes for your sweets, check out AmbitiousKitchen.com!
4. Banana Fritters
Ingredients
6 large ripe bananas
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cups all purpose flour
3 TBL cooking oil
Instructions
- Mash bananas in large bowl and then add eggs. Once combined, add flour.
- In a large skillet, heat oil on medium high heat. Then drop mixture by large spoonful into skillet and lower heat to medium.
- Monitor fritters and flip when bubbles begin to form on surface of batter. Continue until you use up all that delicious batter! These are great served with maple syrup or honey.
This recipe was found at MarthaStewart.com. We don’t have to tell you how many other amazing recipes and crafts you’ll find over there!
5. Banana Pudding
Ok, we saved the “hardest” recipe for last because this has more than 4 ingredients. Either way, you and your family will LOVE it!
Ingredients
14 sliced bananas
1 package (5-ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 12-oz container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 16-oz package of vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Combine pudding and milk in large bowl and beat well. Then add condensed milk and blend until all ingredients are combined. Add vanilla and whipped topping, folding in.
- In a glass baking or serving dish, layer wafers and top with bananas. Then pour mixture on top and put in refrigerator to chill before serving. You can also serve in individual sized servings too!
The wonderful community of AllRecipes.com claims this recipe is the “Best Banana Pudding” and we hope you agree! If you need more recipes, you need to head over to All Recipes.
Karly Wood
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Karly Wood
Latest posts by Karly Wood (see all)
- 15 Wonderful White Kitchens - January 14, 2019
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