Banana Breakfast Recipes: Delicious Ways to Use Ripe Bananas

Introduction

Bananas are a breakfast staple, but what happens when they become overripe? Instead of tossing them, you can turn those sweet, soft bananas into delicious and nutritious morning meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick smoothie, a hearty pancake recipe, or a protein-packed banana and egg dish, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy them.

In this article, we’ll explore the best banana breakfast recipes and answer common questions about how to use ripe bananas effectively. From classic banana bread to unique overnight oats, you’ll find inspiration for every morning craving.

The Benefits of Using Ripe Bananas in Breakfast Recipes

Why Are Ripe Bananas Great for Breakfast?

• Naturally sweet, reducing the need for added sugar.
• Packed with potassium, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Easily digestible and provide quick energy.
• Versatile in both sweet and savory breakfast dishes.

Health Benefits of Ripe Bananas

• Boosts digestion: The fiber in bananas promotes gut health.
• Supports heart health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
• Improves energy levels: Natural sugars give a quick and lasting energy boost.
• Enhances mood: Bananas contain tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, the “happy hormone.”

How Ripe Is Too Ripe?

• Slightly spotted bananas are perfect for most recipes.
• Fully brown bananas are ideal for baking and smoothies.
• If the banana is mushy and leaking, it’s time to throw it out.

Classic Banana Breakfast Recipes

1. Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional for fluffiness)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
2. Add eggs, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking powder, then mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
4. Pour small amounts of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form.
5. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve with honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

2. Classic Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
6. Cool before slicing and serving.

3. Banana Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or water
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Toppings: nuts, seeds, berries

Instructions:

1. Bring milk or water to a boil in a small pot.
2. Stir in oats and reduce heat to simmer.
3. Add mashed banana and cinnamon, then cook for 5 minutes.
4. Serve warm with honey and toppings of choice.

Healthy Banana Breakfast Ideas

1. Banana Smoothie Bowl

A refreshing banana smoothie bowl topped with crunchy granola and chia seeds.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Toppings: granola, chia seeds, sliced bananas, berries

Instructions:

1. Blend banana, yogurt, milk, peanut butter, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, chia seeds, and fruit.
3. Serve immediately for a refreshing and healthy breakfast.

2. Banana Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a jar, mix banana, chia seeds, milk, vanilla, and honey.
2. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, stir again and serve with nuts or fruit.

3. Banana Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber)
• Toppings: nuts, berries, coconut flakes

Instructions:

1. In a jar, combine oats, banana, milk, cinnamon, and sweetener.
2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, stir again and add toppings before serving.

4. Banana and Egg Scramble (Protein-Packed Breakfast)

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together mashed banana, eggs, and cinnamon.
2. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Pour the mixture into the pan and cook, stirring gently, until set.
4. Serve warm, optionally with a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of honey.

Quick and Easy Banana Breakfast Recipes

1. 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add eggs and whisk until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
4. Pour small amounts of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form.
5. Flip and cook for another minute until golden brown.
6. Serve with honey, berries, or nuts.

2. Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Crunchy toast with creamy peanut butter and banana – a simple, delicious breakfast!

Ingredients:

• 1 slice whole-grain bread
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 sprinkle cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Spread peanut butter on the toast.
3. Arrange banana slices on top and drizzle with honey.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon for extra flavor.

3. Banana Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup granola
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, banana slices, and granola.
2. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle chia seeds on top.
4. Serve immediately for a crunchy and creamy breakfast.

4. Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl (High-Protein Option)

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon walnuts or almonds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese and honey.
2. Top with banana slices and nuts.
3. Enjoy as a quick, protein-packed breakfast.

Baked Banana Breakfast Treats

1. Banana Muffins

Soft and fluffy banana muffins – a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, honey, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup ¾ full.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool and enjoy!

If you love baking, don’t miss our collection of sweet and creamy ricotta dessert recipes for more inspiration!

2. Banana Breakfast Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and peanut butter.
3. Stir in chocolate chips or raisins if using.
4. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly golden.
6. Let cool and enjoy as a grab-and-go breakfast.

3. Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk mashed bananas, milk, egg, honey, and vanilla.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until mixed.
5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
7. Let cool, slice into bars, and serve.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Breakfast Recipes

1. Vegan Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup oat flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix oat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, whisk mashed bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour small amounts of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form.
6. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve with maple syrup and fruit.

2. Gluten-Free Banana Waffles

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
• ½ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, flaxseed mixture, almond milk, and vanilla.
4. Stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until crispy.
6. Serve with berries and maple syrup.

3. Vegan Banana Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a jar, mix banana, chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
2. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
3. Stir again before serving and top with nuts or fruit.

4. Gluten-Free Banana Almond Butter Toast

Ingredients:

• 1 slice gluten-free bread
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 sprinkle cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the gluten-free bread.
2. Spread almond butter on top.
3. Layer with banana slices, sprinkle with cinnamon and chia seeds.
4. Serve immediately for a nutritious breakfast.

High-Protein Banana Breakfast Recipes

1. Banana Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup ice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

2. Banana and Greek Yogurt Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 sprinkle cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add Greek yogurt.
2. Top with sliced banana, almond butter, chia seeds, and nuts.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

3. Banana Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Mash banana in a bowl.
2. Add eggs, protein powder, cinnamon, and baking powder, then whisk.
3. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it.
4. Pour small amounts of batter and cook until bubbles form.
5. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve with honey or nut butter.

4. Banana Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, oats, peanut butter, protein powder, cinnamon, and honey.
3. Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.
5. Let cool, cut into bars, and enjoy.

Creative and Unique Banana Breakfast Ideas

1. Grilled Banana Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon butter (for grilling)

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
2. Layer banana slices on top and drizzle with honey.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and place the second slice of bread on top.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
5. Grill the sandwich on both sides until golden brown.
6. Slice and serve warm.

2. Banana Breakfast Sushi

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
• ¼ cup granola or crushed nuts

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and spread peanut butter all over it.
2. Roll the banana in granola or crushed nuts.
3. Slice into bite-sized “sushi” pieces and serve.

3. Savory Banana Breakfast Wrap

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 2 tablespoons hummus or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts or seeds
• 1 sprinkle cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus or Greek yogurt on the tortilla.
2. Layer banana slices on top.
3. Sprinkle with nuts and cinnamon.
4. Roll up the tortilla and slice in half.
5. Enjoy as a portable breakfast wrap.

4. Caramelized Banana Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add coconut oil or butter.
2. Add banana slices and cook until golden brown.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle cinnamon.
4. Cook oats with milk separately, then top with caramelized bananas.
5. Serve warm for a flavorful breakfast.

Looking for more unique breakfast ideas? Check out these crispy and delicious phyllo dough dessert recipes for a creative twist!

FAQs About Banana Breakfast Recipes

1. What can I do with a banana for breakfast?

Bananas are incredibly versatile for breakfast! You can:

• Eat them plain or with nut butter.
• Blend them into smoothies or smoothie bowls.
• Mash them into pancake or waffle batter.
• Slice them onto toast, oatmeal, or yogurt.
• Bake them into muffins, bread, or cookies.
• Use them as a natural sweetener in homemade granola or bars.

2. What can I make with bananas and eggs?

Bananas and eggs can be used to create simple, protein-packed breakfasts:

• 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes – Just mash a banana and mix it with eggs before cooking like regular pancakes.
• Banana Scramble – Mash a banana, mix it with eggs, and scramble in a pan with a little cinnamon.
• Banana Omelet – Whisk eggs with mashed bananas and cook into a sweet omelet.
• Banana Protein Muffins – Combine bananas, eggs, oats, and baking powder for healthy baked muffins.

Conclusion

Bananas are a powerhouse ingredient for breakfast, offering natural sweetness, nutrition, and endless versatility. Whether you prefer classic banana pancakes, high-protein smoothies, or creative banana sushi, there’s a recipe for every taste and dietary preference. Plus, using ripe bananas helps reduce food waste while adding flavor and nutrients to your meals.

Next time you have overripe bananas, don’t throw them away—turn them into a delicious and healthy breakfast! Try out these recipes and experiment with different toppings and variations to keep your mornings exciting and nutritious.

Banana Oat Pancakes

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Pin Recipe

These banana oat pancakes are a healthy and delicious breakfast option, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and packed with fiber from oats. They’re fluffy, gluten-free, and perfect for a wholesome morning meal.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 pancakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

• Blend the rolled oats in a blender until they become a flour-like consistency.
• Add bananas, eggs, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to the blender. Blend until smooth.
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
• Pour small amounts of batter onto the pan, forming pancakes.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Serve warm with honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Notes

• Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
• Substitute oats with whole wheat flour for a different texture

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 10g