Leftover Bananas Recipes: 20 Ways to Use Leftover Ripe Bananas

Love bananas but always struggling to eat them all before the last couple start going black? Then it’s time to start cutting back on unnecessary banana waste and learning how to use them.

If you need some ideas on what to make with leftover bananas, then here are 20 great recipes to get you started.

Banana condensed milk golden syrup cake

This crowd-pleasing upside-down cake will make you nostalgic for the tastes of your childhood, even if it isn’t quite like anything you’ve had before. This could be a modern classic in the making.

Click here for the banana condensed milk golden syrup cake recipe.

Banoffee sheet cake

If banoffee isn’t everyone’s favourite dessert flavour then it’s surely in their top 5. This sheet cake is incredibly easy to make if you’re using store-bought dulce de leche, and only slightly more difficult if making your own.

Click here for the banoffee sheet cake recipe.

Banana French toast

Make your next breakfast or brunch the moment you finally up your French toast game. It could be as simple as topping it with caramelised bananas and pecans.

Click here for the banana French toast recipe.

Banana pancakes

If you prefer to keep breakfast simple, or if you’re overdue a trip to the shops, then these banana pancakes are for you. Why? They use just two ingredients – bananas and eggs – plus whatever you choose to top them with. They’re gluten-free too.

Click here for the banana pancakes recipe.

Banana white chocolate toffee cookies

Toffee is the flavour that unites your old bananas with decadent white chocolate here. What a way to treat your sweet tooth to something special.

Click here for the banana white chocolate toffee cookies recipe.

Banana and chocolate tarte tatin

Turn those over-ripe bananas into a crowd-pleasing dinner party favourite. As impressive as it looks and tastes, this luxurious dessert uses just 5 ingredients and only needs about 20 minutes of prep.

Click here for the banana and chocolate tarte tatin recipe.

Banana split brownies

Imagine all the joy of a banana split condensed into lunchbox friendly brownie bars. These are perfect for picnics and long journeys, but be warned: they’re incredibly moreish.

Click here for the banana split brownies recipe.

Banana bread

We couldn’t not mention banana bread. For decades it’s been the culinary standard for using up old bananas, and for good reason. It’s pretty good even when done badly, but we reckon this recipe is one of the best.

Click here for the banana bread recipe.

Banana monkey bread

If you’re looking to put a spin on an old favourite, then try this upside-down pull-apart monkey bread. It works equally well for picnics and very informal brunches. Just be sure to provide plenty of napkins.

Click here for the banana monkey bread recipe.

Vegan banana bread

Want to make that banana bread vegan? Then drop the eggs, throw in plenty of coconut, and bind the cake with almond meal – an absolute must-have for vegan bakers.

Click here for the vegan banana bread recipe.

Vegan vanilla bean banana ice cream

Freeze those over-ripe bananas now. They will be your secret to making unbelievably creamy vegan ice cream.

Click here for the vegan vanilla bean banana ice cream recipe.

Coconut banana cream truffle pie

This decadent dessert pie demands less than half an hour of work. Then just let it set in the refrigerator. It could usurp the classic cheesecake as your go-to low-effort dessert.

Click here for the coconut banana cream truffle pie.

Banana pudding cheesecake

But hold on second. It isn’t time to give up on cheesecake just yet. Just add mashed bananas and a vanilla wafer crust to take it to the next level.

Click here for the banana pudding cheesecake recipe.

Strawberry banana smoothie

The strawberry and banana combo is a great way to start your day on a high note. Using at least some frozen fruit is a surefire way of making super smooth smoothies, so freeze your fruit as soon as you know you won’t be eating it all fresh.

Click here for the strawberry banana smoothie recipe.

Banana peanut butter chocolate milk-shake

More of a milk-shake person than a smoothie person? Then health-kick be damned. This banana peanut butter chocolate milk-shake is pure bliss. Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.

Click here for the banana peanut butter chocolate milk-shake recipe.

Banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

The flavour of banana bread and the texture of chewy oatmeal cookies, all enhanced by gooey chocolate chips. Kids and adults both will love these.

Click here for the banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies recipe.

Peanut butter banana cookies 

There are few food combinations quite as simple and enjoyable as peanut butter and banana. Why wouldn’t you want to make it even more joyous by focusing all that flavour into a cookie?

Click here for the peanut butter banana cookies recipe.

Chocolate chip banana bread waffles

Waffles? Banana bread? Why choose? You really can have both – and you can have them vegan too.

Click here for the chocolate chip banana bread waffles recipe.

Fudgy banana bars

Bananas, white chocolate, and browned butter create a “blondie” brownie with a texture closer to fudge than cake.

Click here for the fudgy banana bars recipe. 

Banana fritters

These are almost too good and also too easy to make. Try them once and you’ll see what we mean. It’s just too tempting to make them all the time.

Click here for the banana fritters recipe.

The fight to combat food waste sometimes calls for creativity in the kitchen and may just lead to you inventing some fantastic new recipes. Here’s some inspiration as to how to get the best out of leftover pork, one of the most versatile meats. Milk is something that often builds up in the fridge, but have you thought about baking with it or even turning it into cheese? Check out these leftover milk recipe ideas. Give your leftover chicken a makeover with some of these delicious internationally-inspired go-to recipes.