What to Do with Overripe Bananas

Coming towards the end of most weeks, despite the best of intentions, we always end up with a few overripe bananas.

Most people end up throwing them in the compost bin, green bin, or trash but what they don't realize is that they can easily save them and turn them into delicious, fresh-baked treats like banana bread and drinks like smoothies.

Instead of throwing them out, save them!

Once the bananas have reached the point where no one will eat them, throw them into the freezer! Then, when you've found a must-make recipe that calls for bananas, they will be waiting for you to use.

Note: Frozen banana peels turn a very dark brown, almost black, colour after being frozen. This is totally fine, they are still good to use!

Here's how to use them:

For smoothies:

Take a frozen banana out of the freezer, thaw slightly, peel, and throw it into the blender as you would with a fresh banana.

For baked treats:

Remove the amount of bananas needed and place on a plate to thaw for a couple hours.
When fully thawed, slice off the tops and squeeze the banana(s) into a bowl. Purée until smooth (I use an immersion blender). This is to ensure no banana lumps end up in your finished product. Measure and add to your recipe.

If you keep doing this, over time you will end up with a little stash of overripe bananas in your freezer, so this a great excuse to make delicious recipes that call for bananas!

Some recipes to try with those frozen overripe bananas sitting in your freezer:

Banana Steel Cut Oats

Easy, delicious, and warm banana steel cut oats that taste like banana bread! This Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe can be made in your Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stove top.

Get This Recipe

Banana Steel Cut Oats in a bowl on a white table with a spoon to the left of the bowl.

Vegan Gluten Free Banana Muffins

Soft, fluffy, and easy vegan gluten free banana muffins that are perfect for snacks and lunch boxes. This recipe can be customized in 4 delicious ways!

Get This Recipe

Vegan Gluten Free Banana Muffins on a white table, a cup of tea sits to the left.

Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Not only is this vegan gluten free banana bread delicious, it's also oil-free, super easy to make, and can be customized with your favourite add-ins!

Get This Recipe

A close up shot showing four slices of egg-free gluten-free banana bread on a white plate.

Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Waffles

Spiced vegan banana waffles that are crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. This delicious gluten-free vegan breakfast will become a new favourite breakfast treat in your home!

Get This Recipe

Vegan Banana Waffles on a white table in a white plate, waffles are garnished with sliced bananas and sliced strawberries.

Vegan Chocolate Banana Cake

Rich, moist, and delicious vegan chocolate banana cake topped with a layer of creamy frosting. You can also serve it without frosting or top it with mini chocolate chips before baking. Either way, it’s the perfect vegan dessert to end a meal. This fluffy, dairy-free, eggless cake can also be made gluten-free if needed and it’s quick and easy to prepare.

Get This Recipe

A piece of chocolate banana cake on a white plate, a fork with a piece of the cake on it sits in front of the cake.

Vegan Banana Pancakes (with a gluten-free option!)

Treat your family to a batch of easy-to-make, fluffy vegan gluten free pumpkin pancakes. They're packed with pumpkin spice flavour everyone will love.

Four banana pancakes on a white plate with fresh slices of banana and blueberries on top.

Vegan Gluten Free Blueberry Banana Muffins

The best of two worlds combine in these easy vegan gluten free banana blueberry muffins that are moist, delicious, and bursting with plump, juicy blueberries! Yes, it’s possible to make fluffy, tasty muffins that are dairy-free, refined sugar free, and egg-free and this recipe shows you how. They come together quickly and are perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, and for lunch boxes.

Get This Recipe