It surprised me that, among the other predictable essential items that Kiwis stocked up on when lockdown hit all those weeks ago, the humble banana was high on the shopping list.
I get it, you grab the toilet paper, a loaf of bread and then, driven by the need to add something healthy to the mix you grab a bunch of bananas. Maybe they all got eaten, but perhaps, like in my house, they got forgotten and overripe. There is only one thing to do with a handful of overripe bananas – bake banana bread, right? Nope. That was last lockdown. This time around let's go further and see what we can really do with a few of those mushy, potassium-packed fruits on hand.
Banana choc chip muffins
![No need to get the mixer out for these easy and quick banana choc chip muffins. Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3G7WBKXTLBSEEOFLKGQFNPEN24.jpg?auth=b054dcd162e6bfebbe8442cba041b919e72eec095f7512f711b9328d5f5d5e1f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This muffin recipe is a classic. It is simple, foolproof and a great way to use up those bananas. They will also be a hit with the kids as they have chocolate in them. I often find that patty cases stick to the muffins so I prefer to place batter straight into muffin trays, but make sure you grease them really well with butter or oil first.
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Mini deconstructed banoffee
![This easy deconstructed banofee is a great quick dessert or would even double as a slightly indulgent afternoon treat. Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OZXVGB6FQ6HL2VPQKYE6TVP7PI.jpg?auth=1d923718ec9d6ec0223791b0af0a7bf5985af2207ef3ebaeebc481d825290f36&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
I love the word 'deconstructed' when it is used in recipes as it usually means that I don't have to follow the rules or stress about making my creation look too perfect. This deconstructed banoffee is no exception. This is an easy dessert or would even double as a slightly indulgent afternoon treat.
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Banana cake with caramel walnuts
![The cream cheese icing and caramel walnuts really elevate this banana cake. Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HTG6XOHGBGBJ24KOZRZTY5QQHY.jpg?auth=b760d3dfbcd582574db135f828a14b3c5c3038fa036bac9428780fb9f802768d&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
Growing up a moist banana cake was the pinnacle of indulgence and sophistication. My baking ambitious are slightly loftier all these years later but the smell of a banana cake baking still brings me pure joy. This recipe is a standout for me as it has instructions for a great cream cheese icing, not to mention the caramelised walnuts, which work atop a great many things and are a great trick to have up your sleeve.
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No-bake banana fridge flapjacks
![A mix of fruit and seeds make this the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/BFAGFB6WXXAAPEEPG2S7BLOBTE.jpg?auth=5c1b1cdcd42704d72268dfa90b12e2005609fd19ed42e574c0f2a95540458d53&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
No oven required for this one, got to love that. These energy-packed bars and a breeze to make and can be kept in the fridge for when the afternoon slump hits at home.
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Dairy-free banana berry smoothie
![Smoothies are great for kids, especially if they are fussy eaters. Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XXHIYWKTNWOTWPY5FCC5TQDBBQ.jpg?auth=5f18a8c5245aa9fca82b0fdaaf67b6224b820a182d315ffab9f28111ce660edd&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
Another banana treat that requires no baking. Smoothies often save the day in our house when the kids refuse to eat anything but I can see the hangry rising in them. If you have frozen berries in the freezer they are a great to mix with those bananas, giving you that wonderful meal/drink that is the smoothie.
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Chocolicious banana cake
![Did someone say chocolate cake? Yes please! Photo / NZME](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/YKGWWZWF6SLZ4AJGJZZPCC3NLU.jpg?auth=4039f4be99299bef2e3fc133d7ca2f1bb9333e8e330c99acb9e0b254e6279245&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
Again the dream pairing of chocolate and banana made an appearance. This cake is more chocolate-fueled that banana based, but the addition of the ripe banana make this cake very moist and moreish.
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