Banana Recipes

If your kitchen counter is holding a few overripe bananas, you're in the right place. Around here, bananas seem to ripen overnight, so I've learned to keep plenty of easy ideas ready for using them up. This roundup is filled with my favorite gluten free banana recipes from across the internet.

Whether you have one lonely banana or a whole bunch to deal with, you will find something delicious to bake. From quick breads and muffins to cookies, cakes, and simple desserts, these recipes turn even the softest bananas into something worth looking forward to.

Best Bananas for Baking

Ripe bananas are great for everyday baking, but overripe bananas are where the real flavor comes from. The more brown spots they have, the sweeter and softer they become, which helps create moist breads, tender muffins, and cookies with deeper banana flavor. When the bananas are heavily speckled and feel soft when you press them, they are usually at their best for baking.

I will usually go as far as to bake with bananas with completely black skins. However, if your banana peels have split, are leaking, or if there is a fermented smell coming from the bananas, then they are rotten or spoiled and need to be discarded.

How to Quickly Ripen Bananas

If your bananas are still firm and bright yellow, you can quickly ripen your bananas with a few easy tricks.

Paper bag method:
Place your bananas in a brown paper bag and fold it closed. This traps natural ethylene gas and helps them ripen more quickly. Most bananas will soften and darken within a day or two.

Warm oven method:
If you need ripe bananas right now, place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes. When the peels turn black and the bananas feel soft, they are ready to use. Let them cool before adding them to your batter.

Storing Bananas

Sometimes bananas ripen before you are ready to bake. In that case, you can store them in the refrigerator. The peels will turn dark, but the banana inside stays firm and perfectly usable. If you know you will not use them within a few days, freezing is a good way to save them for later.

How to Freeze Bananas

Peel the bananas, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze until solid. Frozen bananas work well in smoothies or can be thawed for any baking recipe. Once thawed, the bananas will release a little liquid, but that is normal and they still mix in smoothly.

41 Must Try Ripe Banana Recipes

If you wondering what to do with ripe bananas, this collection is full of easy gluten free recipes to spark some inspiration. From simple breakfasts to fun desserts, each one puts ripe bananas to good use.

Scroll through and find your new favorite way to use leftover bananas.