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35 Ways to Use Overripe Bananas That Aren't Banana Bread

35 Ways to Use Overripe Bananas That Aren't Banana Bread

April 20, 2020

Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food styling: Emily Nabors Hall and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop styling: Kay Clarke

When life gives you bananas, don't think making banana bread is the only way to use them up. We've got nothing against the easy, classic quickbread, but if you're looking for some new ways to use old bananas, you've come to the right place. There are plenty of quick ways to use overripe bananas, such as mixing them into pancake batter or pan-frying them with cinnamon, but if you want to take things up a notch, many beloved desserts, such as hummingbird cake and bananas foster, get their signature sweetness from the fruit. If you're burnt out on banana bread, give one of these banana cakes, banana smoothies, banana shakes, or other banana treats a try.

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Banana Upside-Down Pancake Cake

Photo: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Pam Lolley

Banana Upside-Down Pancake Cake Recipe

This incredibly tender, delicious spice cake has a secret… Aunt Jemima pancake mix. That’s right, this brunch-worthy cake starts with boxed pancake mix (but no one would guess it). The added bonus of brown sugary caramelized bananas, toasted pecans, and a hit of rum only makes the idea of cake-for-breakfast all the more appealing.

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Bananas Foster with Pound Cake

Bananas Foster with Pound Cake Recipe

The quick dessert popularized in New Orleans in the 1950s features bananas warmed in a dark-brown-sugar caramel sauce. It’s even better made and eaten outdoors.

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Hummingbird Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie

Photo: Alison Miksch

Hummingbird Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie Recipe

Hummingbird cake, a classic Southern layer cake that features banana, pineapple, and coconut meets a deep-dish skillet cookie in this tropical dessert. Although the origin of the name "Hummingbird" is somewhat a mystery, one thing we know for sure is that this skillet cookie is the perfect combination of fruity, exotic, and sweet. Somewhere between a warm, butter cookie and a piña colada, this dessert is certainly going to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Chocolate-Banana Cream Tartlets

James Carrier

Chocolate-Banana Cream Tartlets Recipe
Individual tartlets are ideal for entertaining and this recipe is like an elegant version of a banana cream pie with a sweet chocolate crust.

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Banana-Berry Smoothie

Banana-Berry Smoothie Recipe
While the dishwasher runs after dinner, whip up a batch of this blended treat. Honey sweetens the banana-strawberry-yogurt mixture. Serve thick for a fun beat-the-heat dessert.

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Chocolate Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Chocolate Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

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Banana Ice Cream with Berries, Chocolate, or Cinnamon

Banana Ice Cream with Berries, Chocolate, or Cinnamon Recipe

Freezing bananas transforms them into a sorbetlike treat in this easy, healthy dessert. Make sure to use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots.

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Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

"Mashed ripe banana adds sweetness and flavor to these chocolate chip cookies. I found I could reduce the usual amount of sugar and butter." --Cathy Brixen, Phoenix, Ariz.

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Banana Caramel Cake

Banana Caramel Cake Recipe

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Caramelized Banana Split

Time Inc. Video Studio

Caramelized Banana Split Recipe

Give your favorite ice cream treat a serious upgrade by caramelizing the bananas before building your sundae. Broiling the banana with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon intensifies the fruit’s sweetness and adds a layer of rich depth to your dessert. This recipe is for a single split, but is easily multiplied to serve more.

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Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas

Photo by Kirsten Nunez

Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas Recipe
Just slice and fry

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Double-Banana Cream Pie

Double-Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Thick vanilla custard is layered with ripe bananas in a sweet arrowroot-cookie crust. You'll hear "mmm" with each bite.

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Hummingbird Cake

Victor Protasio

Hummingbird Cake Recipe

When the Hummingbird Cake was first submitted to Southern Living in 1978 by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, we had no idea the cake would become our most popular and beloved Southern cake recipe ever. Without a doubt, the cake is a beauty with its three moist layers topped with cream cheese frosting and pecans; but it’s the taste that really keeps us coming back. There are a few rules for success in this recipe that make it truly stand out. First, vegetable oil is used instead of butter to get the moist, quick-bread-like texture of the layers. The original recipe, as printed below, calls for 1 1/2 cups of oil. Over the years we reprinted the recipe several times and, in keeping with cooking trends of the time, altered the amount of oil and sodium called for in the ingredient list. The quality of the finished product was never altered, however. Second, you need a can of crushed pineapple in its juices (such as Publix Crushed Pineapple in Pineapple Juice), which you will NOT drain. The juices add so much flavor to the cake batter and keeps it incredibly moist. Lastly, always take the time the toast your pecans. It’s a game-changer. Forty years may have passed since we discovered this Southern gem, but we keep making it year after year!

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Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns Recipe

We turned one of New Orleans’ famous desserts into a sweet brunch treat. These Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns are perfect served alongside your usual breakfast casseroles and egg dishes, or alongside a hot pot of tea or coffee. And because they are made with refrigerated crescent roll dough, they’re much easier to whip up than cinnamon rolls. Choose bananas that are starting to show signs of ripeness (small brown dots). They will have just the right amount of sweetness and won’t turn to mush when cooked.

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Banana Bread Hummus

Photo by Kirsten Nunez

Banana Bread Hummus Recipe

No loaf pan required

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Banana Peanut Butter Smoothies

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothies Recipe

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Blueberry-Banana Pancakes

John Kernick

Blueberry-Banana Pancakes Recipe
Tyler Florence made these pancakes at home one weekend morning with his son Hayden. They're a slight variation on a recipe from his book, Tyler Florence Family Meal.

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Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Hadas Smirnoff

Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake Recipe

Strawberries add brightness to this fun take on banana pudding. Instead of the usual vanilla wafers, use graham crackers, which make neater slices. An instant hit with your family and guests, this recipe makes delicious use of the fresh strawberries you pick up at the local farmers’ market.

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Fried Banana Bread (a.k.a. Mangalore Buns)

fried banana bread from masala and meatballs

Photo by Alanna Taylor-Tobin

Fried Banana Bread (a.k.a. Mangalore Buns) Recipe
This perfect puri from Asha Shivakumar's Masala & Meatballs is ideal for a rainy day

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Banana Snack Cake

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Banana Snack Cake Recipe

Garnish this fun cake with glossy roasted bananas for a chic, modern spin, or simply gild it with the cream cheese frosting.

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Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake with Candied Bacon

Time Inc. Food Studios

Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake with Candied Bacon Recipe

It's a cake fit for a king.

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Banana-Coconut Ice Cream

Banana-Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
Use very ripe bananas for the richest flavor.

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Copycat IHOP Strawberry Banana King's Hawaiian French Toast

Photographer: Antara Sinha; Food Stylist: Briana Riddock

Copycat IHOP Strawberry Banana King's Hawaiian French Toast Recipe

A partnership between IHOP and King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread led to the creation of the ultimate breakfast mashup—Hawaiian sweet bread French toast… Yeah, we are just scratching our heads wondering why we hadn’t thought of this first. This dish has transformed the classic, cult favorite dinner rolls into a morning must-have, that may just replace basic sliced bread forever. The pillowy rolls are dunked in a rich vanilla custard and pan-fried with butter to golden perfection. The French toasts are then topped with a simple strawberry syrup made from fresh berries and sugar, simmered for just a few minutes, followed by a handful of banana slices for a sweet finish.

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Banana Almond Cake

Penina

Banana Almond Cake Recipe
A bag of ripe bananas inspired Jan McHargue to create this coffee cake. You can enjoy the banana cake with its spicy brown sugar-almond topping and filling for brunch, with coffee, or for dessert.

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Grilled Bananas on Sugared Rum Toast

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Bananas on Sugared Rum Toast Recipe

Who knew toast could be so delicious? Brushed with butter, dipped in sugar, and grilled, the bread (a nice enriched challah) becomes almost brûléed. The riper the bananas, the quicker they will soften during cooking; be mindful when handling.

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Susan’s Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Stacey Ballis

Susan’s Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

On the surface, so simple. A moist, richly banana-flavored, two-layer cake with a dark chocolate frosting. No frills or fancies. No nuts, chocolate chips or chunks, no crispy bits or coconut. Just a basic banana cake with a simple chocolate frosting. And yet, in the marriage of these two tastes something extraordinary happens. It is cake alchemy.

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Peanut Butter-Banana Milk Shakes

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Claire Spollen

Peanut Butter-Banana Milk Shakes Recipe

Try this thick and creamy Peanut Butter-Banana Milk Shake as a nutritious breakfast or an indulgent after-dinner treat. Perfect for any nut-lover, this decadent, frozen treat packs on the protein that is sure to keep you full and satisfied. Not only is this simple drink kid-approved, they'll be asking for it again and again.

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Banana Split Waffle Cake

Time Inc. Video Studio

Banana Split Waffle Cake Recipe

Talk about a birthday breakfast—inspired by the flavors of a classic ice cream treat, this impressive waffle stack makes for such a fun way to kick off an extra-special day. Using store-bought waffle mix keeps this decadent breakfast-for-dessert recipe easy to execute, while sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry on top make it feel like a total party on a plate.

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Hummingbird Cake Shake

Photo: Kelsey Harrison

Hummingbird Cake Shake Recipe

As the most requested recipe in Southern Living history, the Hummingbird Cake is a staple for southern flair and charm. We decided to put our own spin on the iconic dessert by shaking it up. Now you can enjoy the classic pecan, pineapple, and banana flavors in a shake! Southern never tasted so good.

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Berry-Banana Overnight Oats

Greg DuPree

Berry-Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

Speed up your morning routine with a low-maintenance breakfast made the night before. Studies show frozen blueberries have considerably greater polyphenol concentrations than fresh, while most other nutrient levels are comparable between the two. Walnuts deliver a one-two punch of crunch and nutrition: They are a top nut for brain health thanks to the powerful combination of omega-3 fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

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Fried Bananas Foster

Caitlin Bensel

Fried Bananas Foster Recipe

The Big Easy’s signature banana and caramel dessert—invented at Brennan’s in the French Quarter—gets a sweet and inventive update. Wrap baby bananas, available at Asian and Latin markets, in spring roll pastry wrappers, fry, and serve over butter pecan ice cream—topping with caramel rum sauce not optional.

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Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

No time for frosting? Bake anyway! We loved these plain too.

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Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie

Sara Tane

Cold Brew-Banana Smoothie Recipe

Who says you can't caffeinate and fill up on a hearty, wholesome breakfast smoothie all at the same time? In this cozy java concoction, prepared cold brew is blended into a banana and almond milk smoothie. Rather than using ice cubes which will dilute the flavor of the smoothie, the cold brew is cleverly frozen.

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Double-Banana Pound Cake

Randy Mayor

Double-Banana Pound Cake Recipe
For banana lovers: This cake packs a double punch of banana with the fruit and liqueur. The banana liqueur is a must; it gives the cake a sweet, rich banana flavor.

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Banana Pudding Cake

Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food styling: Emily Nabors Hall and Kady Wohlfarth; Prop styling: Kay Clarke

Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

One of our testers called this "the ultimate banana pudding in cake form." Tender laters of cake, creamy vanilla custard, and bananas come t

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35 Ways to Use Overripe Bananas That Aren't Banana Bread

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Banana Upside-Down Pancake Cake

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Bananas Foster with Pound Cake

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Hummingbird Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie

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Chocolate-Banana Cream Tartlets

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Banana-Berry Smoothie

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Chocolate Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

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Banana Ice Cream with Berries, Chocolate, or Cinnamon

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Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Banana Caramel Cake

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Caramelized Banana Split

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Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas

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Double-Banana Cream Pie

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Hummingbird Cake

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Mini Bananas Foster Sticky Buns

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Banana Bread Hummus

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Banana Peanut Butter Smoothies

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Blueberry-Banana Pancakes

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Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake

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Fried Banana Bread (a.k.a. Mangalore Buns)

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Banana Snack Cake

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Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake with Candied Bacon

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Banana-Coconut Ice Cream

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Copycat IHOP Strawberry Banana King's Hawaiian French Toast

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Banana Almond Cake

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Grilled Bananas on Sugared Rum Toast

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Susan’s Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting

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