The Best Ways To Use Ripe Bananas
Bananas
You will always find bananas in my kitchen and in my freezer. Call it a frugal thing but I can never let a ripe banana go to waste.
Ripe Bananas
Once a banana gets to the ripe phase with little spots of brown into the freezer they go for use in muffins, breads, non-dairy ice cream and so much more.
Banana Freezing Tips
You can actually freeze bananas at any phase in their ripening cycle but the best time to freeze them is once they have just started to turn brown.
Freezing Bananas
They are still a very solid fruit and their sweetness is perfect at this point. If you prefer a sweeter fruit let the whole banana go brown then freeze the fruit.
How To Freeze Bananas
- Peel the banana and compost the peel as they are great for the garden
- Slice the banana into 2 inch chunks
- Place the banana chunks on to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and freeze
- Place the frozen banana chunks into freezer containers or freezer bags for storage
Can You Freeze Whole Bananas?
You can freeze peeled whole bananas directly in a freezer bag but they will stick together during the freezing process.
What To Make With Frozen Bananas?
Now that you have all these great nutritious bananas in the freezer what do you do with them?
7 Ways To Use Ripe Bananas:
1. Muffins
Banana muffins are amazing for breakfast or snacks. The banana helps to moisten and sweeten the muffins. This gluten free, Paleo Chocolate Banana Muffin from Texanerian Baking is hands down our favorite muffin.
2. Smoothies
Besides muffins this is my favorite way to use up ripe bananas. Add protein powder, coconut milk, cold brew coffee, a scoop of nut or seed butter, a frozen banana and blend in a blender till smooth.
3. Banana Ice Cream
Frozen ripe bananas make the perfect base for nice cream or dairy free banana ice cream. Checkout these great recipes from Chocolate Covered Katie.
4. Oatmeal & Bananas
Make your oatmeal as per box instruction then add a mashed banana and cinnamon for a great frugal breakfast.
5. Fried Bananas
The first time I had this we were at a bed and breakfast. The host quickly pan fried a sliced banana and served it along side our eggs and bacon. It was great.
6. Chocolate Dipped Bananas
A trip back to childhood. Take a frozen whole peeled banana and dip it into melted chocolate then cover with coconut, nuts or other seeds. Refreeze and enjoy. This dessert is made easier by inserting a popsicle stick into the banana before the initial freezing process.
7. Banana Puree – Fruit Leather
Puree your ripe bananas and add other fruits such as strawberries or plums or simply add cinnamon to form the base for the fruit leather. Follow the fruit leather instructions on your dehydrator as each unit is different.
Other Great uses For Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are such a versatile fruit. You can make banana chips with your dehydrator. Add bananas to breads, waffles, cookies and cakes.
Banana Desserts
Bananas Foster is a famous dessert as is the classic banana split. Banana pudding and banana pie are also great uses for ripe bananas. Sliced bananas over yogurt is great as well.
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