Bananas getting spotty and overripe? Time to throw them away?
Stop, I tell you. Stop! While you may see a banana decomposing right before your eyes, I see a banana that is in perfect condition to use as an ingredient. In fact, it’s when bananas are a bit mushy and starting losing their firm texture that they are the sweetest and should be saved and frozen for future recipes.
In fact, I intentionally overbuy bananas so that I have some get overripe. When they hit their prime and start to grow a tad old, I break them in half and throw them in a plastic bag.
10 Ways to Use Ripe Bananas
1. Dark Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal
2. Whole Wheat Chocolate Banana Muffins
3. Peanut Butter and Banana Baked Oatmeal
4. Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
6. Banana Split Power Smoothie
10. Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Bread
Make sure to check out other smoothie and breakfast recipes we have in our recipe index!
I love th baked oatmeal recipe! Baked oatmeal is good about staying fresh in the fridge over a couple of breakfasts. MY favorite part about buying ripe bananas at discount price isn’t making and then freezing everything.
Agreed!
I also make peanut butter banana pops with my overripe bananas. 2 mashed bananas + 1/2 cup peanut butter + a squeeze of honey is enough to fill 4 silicone push pop “tubes.” These are great frozen treats for the kids and myself – even those of us who don’t eat bananas plain!
Oh, my! What a wonderful list! I, too, buy extra bananas on purpose. They are healthy and so versatile, and a regular part of our breakfasts, smoothies and baking, but the best thing is they are one of the only foods, especially fruits, that are still CHEAP!. I also wrote a blog post on freezing bananas and using them. Thanks for some new recipes to add to my favorites!