10+ Healthy Banana Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Bananas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can use ripe bananas to create a variety of healthy recipes that satisfy your cravings while keeping your diet in check. From quick snacks to baked goods, these recipes offer tasty options without the extra calories or sugar.
Using bananas in your cooking can help reduce food waste and add natural sweetness to your meals. Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, snacks, or desserts, banana recipes can fit perfectly into any part of your day.
1) Vegan Banana Breakfast Bars
Vegan banana breakfast bars are a tasty and healthy way to start your day. They are easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. These bars are packed with flavor and nutrients.
You can find recipes that use simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and a few other healthy add-ins. Some options are gluten-free, making them suitable for various diets.
These bars are great for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and grab one whenever you need a snack. They stay fresh for several days, so you can enjoy them all week long.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the oats, nut butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before slicing into bars.
2) Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
Whole wheat banana pancakes are a tasty and healthy breakfast option. They are fluffy and easy to make. Plus, they use wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling full.
You will need ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and a few other simple ingredients. These pancakes are great for a quick morning meal.
To make them, mash the bananas and mix them with your other ingredients. Then, cook them on a skillet until golden brown. You’ll love how delicious and satisfying they are!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the flour, milk, egg, baking powder, honey, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Pour batter onto the skillet, cooking until bubbles form.
- Flip and cook until golden brown. Enjoy!
3) Sugar-Free Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Sugar-free banana oatmeal cookies are a simple and healthy treat. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for snacks or breakfast.
To make these cookies, you’ll need ripe bananas and rolled oats. Both ingredients blend together to create a delicious base. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips if you like.
These cookies are easy to customize according to your taste. You can try different mix-ins like raisins or cinnamon for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- Optional: nuts or chocolate chips
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Mix in the rolled oats until combined.
- If desired, fold in any nuts or chocolate chips.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Enjoy!
4) Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a tasty and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
To prepare this smoothie, you will need ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter. Add your favorite milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra taste.
This drink can keep you full and energized. It’s a great way to boost your protein intake, thanks to the peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup ice cubes
Cooking Instructions
- In a blender, add the bananas, peanut butter, milk, and cinnamon.
- Add the ice cubes.
- Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
5) Gluten-Free Banana Muffins
Gluten-free banana muffins are a delicious and quick treat. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can whip them up in about 30 minutes.
These muffins use ripe bananas, which add natural sweetness. You’ll find that using almond flour or oat flour gives them a nice texture. They stay moist and fluffy, making them enjoyable for everyone.
You can even freeze these muffins for later. This makes them a great option for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
- Mix in the eggs, honey, and coconut oil.
- In another bowl, combine the almond flour, oat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until blended.
- Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6) High-Protein Banana Bread
High-protein banana bread is a tasty way to enjoy a healthy snack. It gives you the comforting flavors of banana bread while boosting your protein intake. Each slice can pack a good amount of protein, making it great for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
You can make this bread moist and fluffy with just a few ingredients. It often includes bananas, eggs, protein powder, and whole wheat flour. You can also make it gluten-free and oil-free if desired.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine the protein powder, flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7) No Bake Banana Bread Bites
No Bake Banana Bread Bites are a quick and healthy treat you can enjoy anytime. They are easy to make and require no oven. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a tasty snack ready.
You’ll use ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and nut butter. These bites are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. They provide energy and taste great.
You can customize them with chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor. These little bites are not only delicious but also good for you.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Mash ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Add oats, nut butter, and honey. Mix well.
- Stir in chocolate chips and chia seeds if using.
- Roll mixture into small balls.
- Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
8) Chia Seed Banana Pudding
Chia seed banana pudding is a tasty and healthy treat. It’s simple to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You’ll love the creamy texture and sweet banana flavor.
To prepare, mash ripe bananas and mix them with chia seeds. Then, add your choice of milk, like almond or coconut. Let it sit so the chia seeds can thicken the mixture.
This pudding is full of fiber and nutrients, making it a great choice for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 2 large overripe bananas
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
Cooking Instructions:
- Mash the bananas in a bowl.
- Add the milk and chia seeds.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
9) Paleo Banana Energy Bites
Paleo banana energy bites are a quick and healthy snack. They are simple to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy them any time of day.
To make these bites, you will need ripe bananas for sweetness. Almond flour and coconut flour add great texture. Using almond butter helps bind everything together while adding healthy fats.
These energy bites can also be flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra kick. They are perfect for a post-workout boost or a midday snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the ripe banana.
- Add almond flour, coconut flour, and almond butter.
- Mix in maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
- Form small balls with your hands.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
10) Nut-Free Banana Bars
Nut-free banana bars are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack. They are perfect for those avoiding nuts due to allergies or dietary choices. You can make these bars with simple ingredients.
You will need ripe bananas, oats, and a few sweeteners. These bars are not only easy to make but are also very satisfying. You can enjoy them any time of day, whether for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 and ½ cups of oats
- ¼ cup of maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the bananas in a bowl.
- Add the oats, sweetener, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let the bars cool and then cut into bars. Enjoy!