Don’t Trash the Bananas! 18 Ways to Use Every Last One

If you’ve got ripe bananas sitting on the counter, this list gives you more than enough reasons to put them to use. From easy no bake desserts to baked goods that fill the kitchen with cozy aromas, these ideas will help you go way past basic banana bread. There are creamy banana pudding twists, fruity muffin combos, and even banana-packed cookies and cakes. It’s all about making the most of those bananas in unexpected and satisfying ways.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

This cake layers banana pudding into every bite by soaking it through holes in a soft yellow cake. It’s topped with whipped topping and crushed cookies for texture and sweetness. The pudding seeps into the cake overnight for an even richer flavor. It’s cool, creamy, and feeds a crowd with ease.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Poke Cake

Banana Pudding Fluff

This creamy dessert blends pudding mix, whipped topping, sliced bananas, and marshmallows. It’s fluffy and soft with a mix of textures from the fruit and mix-ins. The chill time helps it all come together into a spoonable treat. Serve it straight from the bowl for a quick and easy banana dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Fluff

Banana Split Fluff

Taking cues from the classic sundae, this fluff adds in strawberries, pineapples, chocolate chips, and cherries. The bananas add that familiar flavor while everything else gives it a fruity crunch. It’s a no bake option that works well for potlucks or family dinners. Each bite feels like a banana split in soft, creamy form.
Get the Recipe: Banana Split Fluff

Buttermilk Banana Muffins

Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness to these moist, bakery-style muffins. They bake up golden and fluffy with a gentle banana flavor. A sprinkle of sugar on top gives a light crunch. These are great warm or packed up for a quick breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Muffins

Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Mashed banana and juicy blueberries make these muffins soft and fruity. Oats bring a chewy bite that pairs well with the tender crumb. They freeze well for make-ahead mornings. They strike a balance of hearty and sweet with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Banana Cake Mix Muffins

Starting with cake mix keeps these muffins quick and reliable. Mashed banana gets folded in to amp up the moisture and flavor. You can tweak them with nuts or chocolate chips. They’re sweet, soft, and done in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake Mix Muffins

Banana Cornbread

This twist on traditional cornbread adds mashed banana for moisture and a slight sweetness. It bakes up with a golden crust and soft center. It’s a great side dish for chili or roasted meats. The combo of cornmeal and banana is surprisingly smooth.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cornbread

Banana Pudding Brownies

These brownies swirl rich chocolate with layers of banana pudding for a fudgy and creamy finish. Vanilla wafers on top add crunch. Each bite gives a mix of gooey brownie and banana cream. They stand out on any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies

Banana Raspberry Muffins

Sweet banana pairs with the tart pop of raspberries in these soft muffins. The berries break up the richness with bursts of juice. They bake up fluffy and moist with a fruity aroma. Great with a pat of butter or eaten as-is.
Get the Recipe: Banana Raspberry Muffins

Carrot Banana Muffins

Grated carrot and mashed banana come together for a lightly sweet, moist muffin. They’re warm and cozy with a hint of spice. The texture is soft with occasional bits of tender carrot. They work well for breakfast or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Banana Muffins

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

This cross between cinnamon rolls and banana bread creates a soft swirl filled with cinnamon sugar. Mashed bananas are worked into the dough for moisture. A drizzle of icing melts into the warm rolls. They’re best fresh out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Condensed Milk Banana Bread

Sweetened condensed milk adds richness and a caramel-like note to this loaf. It bakes into a soft and tender banana bread with a dense crumb. The top gets golden with a slightly sticky sheen. It’s great sliced and toasted with a bit of butter.
Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Banana Bread

Banana Cookie Bars with Caramel Frosting

These cookie bars are thick and chewy with a rich banana flavor. The caramel frosting adds a gooey layer that sets as it cools. They cut cleanly and are easy to serve for gatherings. The combo of banana and caramel hits just right.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cookie Bars with Caramel Frosting

Banana Pudding Cookies

Soft and chewy, these cookies blend banana pudding mix and real banana into the dough. White chocolate chips or crushed wafers give extra texture. They stay moist for days and pack banana flavor in every bite. Great for cookie swaps or lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

Banana Pudding Tacos

These dessert tacos use cookie shells filled with banana pudding, sliced bananas, and whipped topping. They’re handheld and fun to assemble. You can top them with more crushed cookies or a drizzle of caramel. It’s a playful take on banana pudding.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Tacos

Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

This banana bread has a crisp cinnamon sugar topping that contrasts the soft center. The topping bakes into a crunchy layer that holds up well. Inside, it’s tender and sweet with banana flavor throughout. Serve warm with coffee or milk.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

Tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts break up the sweetness of classic banana bread. The loaf is moist and dotted with texture. It slices neatly and stores well. Great for gifting or as a fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

No Bake Banana Pudding

This version layers pudding, cookies, and bananas without touching the oven. It chills until the layers are soft and spoonable. The cookies soak just enough for a cake-like texture. Serve cold with a dollop of whipped topping.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Banana Pudding