17 Go-To Recipes To Use The Overripe Banana Sitting On Your Counter

Bananas don’t spoil overnight, but once they start turning brown, they’re on a fast track to the trash. One minute they’re fine, the next they’re collapsing into mush. Instead of letting them sit there while you pretend you’ll make a smoothie later, put them to use in something better. They make baked goods softer, pancakes fluffier, and even sneak their way into brownies without ruining them.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

When a banana is too far gone for anything else, it’s still perfect for banana bread. This one doubles down on chocolate and stays extra moist thanks to those overripe bananas that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Pecan Bread

Overripe bananas add just the right sweetness to this soft, nutty bread. The cinnamon sugar topping makes it feel a little extra, and the smashed raspberry butter takes it even further.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Banana Pecan Bread

Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Bananas and pumpkin team up in this loaf that works for breakfast, dessert, or any time in between. Chocolate chips make it feel like a treat, but it’s still a solid way to use up that fruit before it’s too late.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

These pancakes are made from scratch with yeast, which gives them a fluffy texture that boxed mixes can’t compete with. Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making them great for lazy weekend mornings.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

Banana Chia Bites

These bite-sized muffins use mashed bananas for natural sweetness and chia seeds for texture. They’re quick to throw together and easy to grab when you need a fast snack.
Get the Recipe: Banana Chia Bites

Banana Nut Almond Muffins

Soft, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet, these muffins put those overripe bananas to good use. Great for breakfast, a snack, or something to throw in your bag on the way out the door.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nut Almond Muffins

Banana Zucchini Muffins

Overripe bananas and shredded zucchini keep these muffins soft without needing extra oil or sugar. Whole wheat and oat flour make them a little more substantial without messing with the texture.
Get the Recipe: Banana Zucchini Muffins

Strawberry Banana Fruit Leather

If you’ve got bananas on the brink, blend them up with strawberries and turn them into homemade fruit leather. No weird ingredients, just a simple snack that actually lasts.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Banana Fruit Leather

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with fall flavors. Overripe bananas make it naturally sweet, and it comes together in minutes—no baking required.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Bananas and mashed sweet potatoes give these muffins the perfect texture without extra butter or oil. Drizzle with honey or slather with butter, but they’re great straight from the pan too.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Gingerbread Banana Bread

This banana bread gets a holiday upgrade with gingerbread spices and a maple tahini glaze. The bananas keep it soft and moist, making it a great way to use up the ones getting too spotty to eat.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Banana Bread

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Peanut butter and banana were made for each other, and these muffins prove it. Soft, packed with flavor, and loaded with chocolate chips, they won’t last long in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Caramelized Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bake

Quinoa and oats make this breakfast bake hearty, while caramelized bananas and chocolate chips keep it from feeling too “healthy.” A solid way to turn overripe bananas into something worth eating.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bake

Fudgy Skillet Brownie

This rich, chocolatey brownie is made with mashed bananas instead of added sugar. Baked in a skillet, it comes out gooey in the center with crispy edges.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Skillet Brownie

Baked Turmeric Oatmeal

This baked oatmeal is filled with cinnamon, raisins, and turmeric for extra nutrients. Great for meal prep and perfect for using up bananas before they go bad.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turmeric Oatmeal

Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins

Avocado and banana make these muffins extra soft without extra oil. The chocolate chips keep them from feeling too “healthy,” so you can snack without second-guessing it.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins

Green Oatmeal

Bananas, spinach, and oats come together in this nutrient-packed breakfast. You won’t taste the spinach, but you’ll get the benefits without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Green Oatmeal