Go bananas for these recipes that’ll make the most of your overripe fruit.
The humble banana is, arguably, the most adaptable fruit. It’s ready to be eaten fresh (when there’s not a lot of time to have anything else), but also gains major flavour when slow-cooked and attended to with
Sometimes, when the fruit is overripe, we tear through recipe books to find a way to use them before they go bad. Inevitably, cake or bread is what we usually turn to — totally delicious! But these recipes offer a greater range of options if you’re seeking something new.
Might you try a breakfast smoothie, flavoured with kiwifruit, matcha or herbal tea? What about a pile of pancakes? Or a sticky date pudding?
Whatever your preference, these recipes have you covered.
Breakfast
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2JR3HMJEZS4UUSADIQAS5AQG5A.jpg?auth=2363c56edee7cc177d1344e43f0f499413bd404709d0b79952895b7e7750f30e&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Nutty, cinnamon-spiced and kiwifruit-sweetened — this light smoothie will pair well with plenty of other breakfast dishes.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/VUKP77VW76NXKP55C6EWKJY5NA.jpg?auth=056125c7fa8326d6aafd179b52ed828c1d4abeae5f337fc85e76879ebf21a9a1&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.This dish is a masterclass in contrast, as each bite pairs salty, crispy pancetta with honeyed banana. Serve as an elevated brunch or as a dinner party starter.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/H74JTIEYC3TWXNNRWOGNN2FV7I.jpg?auth=6266b46424140901be6b12cdeb8fafdc8cf7adac04c9381492a84fb4aa625f30&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This recipe draws a toasty flavour out of the banana and amplifies it with a side serving of butter-glazed pineapple.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LPRWHFZONPMKF6LOOATULCOX7M.jpg?auth=b8101271cc7510f03e90ecb235d34fac1fee6727467217bba19f51d697970192&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Ultra-creamy and undeniably wholesome — mashed bananas are a kindred spirit for a warming bowl of porridge.
![Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/E7GLPKRJHGA7CW52OD6UMIK2U4.jpg?auth=ff154aec137e0ab0de7ed1812e4d93a204e89ba634c3e6a9c8328be1761ed515&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This smoothie finds interest in a touch of tea. Frozen banana also produces a luscious texture.
![Photo / Issy Croker](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/VAQCLYWP7CJ3GOPX5PIED3EDU4.jpg?auth=387328be5bf7ebfdadf14b978f42fa8cf43d31d22d62561b19851b43cd4e9f61&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Can’t argue with perfection. Make these tomorrow and the next day (and the day after that).
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HQ23JK2O2UMBS263DSNHSM5VV4.jpg?auth=6e6787e94fbfdd8a5932579139ebf7e87a64ad7fd78a16524f8b29b31dcb02d2&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
These muesli bars are a breezy on-the-go breakfast or snack. Burnt butter adds a deeper flavour.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/7MLURDHA6T3Z2ZIMJJMG3QAX5Y.jpg?auth=ea2e100fbc820f0d89fd18bfbf216964f01258f5000838c77187d6b49b9e4c75&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Matcha is soothing — due to both its earthy taste and sage green colour. This smoothie blends it with banana, spinach and sweet runny honey.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/JDD36ECXO4SHAHXSXMRNAZOONI.jpg?auth=00dddd89e8f7d56add9da3fa2754b2409ca8bb902f11566314b9ab4fb961d581&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Almond meal, grated apple and mashed banana make these muffins a nourishing grab on your way out the door. You could also stow these at work for much-too-busy mornings.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3NUNAGJ2NGRG2EZVC3KX5XUX6U.jpg?auth=e34d33fd80a93b8f7c0d87d5e14ab7c195a4b0b8dbcd36a58215f5b9703c1ccf&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Everyone should be able to enjoy banana pikelets — this iteration appeals to celiac and gluten-free friends alike.
Dessert
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/G5YIASTRAIPM6Z6D6O2K2SP2NM.jpg?auth=c5efdd6eed3383f1e29e6dc4f7405feb01a40c10cecb80fbc91ad6480a9362df&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Banana icecream is an easy at-home dessert. This recipe elevates the treat with dark cocoa and pieces of homemade (or store-bought) brownie.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/Y4GMHMSMDU45CRX3JGAC7WIP3Y.jpg?auth=a1052c253417b5418134936078cdff60a320442cf43b0875ed383afb44b6c529&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A bowl of velvety pudding? Yes, please. This serving mixes chopped hazelnuts with gooey chocolate and a banana (which you could also roast in an oven for richer flavour).
![Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2YC6TL3NTZD5JDR3AVCOSZGY4A.jpg?auth=b2771fd224ed207877f8c5b31a7459ff755ab975757731d97b7232a6e25a0585&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
These pretty treats come from Petty Pandean-Elliott’s cookbook The Indonesian Table. There are also a couple of alterations if you’d like to try something different — think caramelised banana and fragrant Pandan.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/JCPU4APO76VDVV6WSLYGU2QDXA.jpg?auth=4887cf1d3fba042258a510ae6262dca55c79e7357991e8feca77d75e16351715&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This dessert is totally delicious and refreshingly simple. Step 1: Glaze the bananas with an orangey miso sauce and bake to brown. Step 2: Serve (with icecream).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2BFSYT5EJA3PWTPRUNEPIKN5DY.jpg?auth=a99167f9a540683542832a5319777f700eec8827fd1085b36bc0732848c52700&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
It’s a classic with a slight twist. A topping of caramel walnuts, oven-baked for toasty flavours, adds visual splendour.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FBD5QV2JPC4SQI4MXFUIWNDXBE.jpg?auth=7469f71e3d534ff2737e4e04e80f7b2b332a4eabb2af8c8659456983a27bca9a&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Delicious? Check. Easy? Check. If you need to throw together a last-minute treat to please a crowd, these chocolate and banana sandwiches should be your go-to.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/6W46CKLMKNXW2W22XAZE7SRB3Y.jpg?auth=9367e5e572fe890f97bf8dca08c18e814d703c05ae40c3c1d3e893d98931ebec&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This is a sticky and sweet dessert that supplies a whole lot of comfort. Add some textural contrast with shredded coconut flakes.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KXGBQL34RI7ELEXXSM6DVPSIEA.jpg?auth=148fbd0f5e9e9e741b455c74ad677ab221194b22cd39dd1ca89e89192075ad5a&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Bookmark this recipe for unexpected cold and rainy evenings. Dates provide a caramel taste within a moist and crumbly cake.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/YAZ7MJE52ZHCDZXBKCUYTC3W2I.jpg?auth=1f333ea8a5eb621534156d6f587e8ea925de6f2d1343dde0fe2702698cbcbf88&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Whipped cream and large shards of grated chocolate create plenty of visual interest for this showstopping pie.
![Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3JWIMY6V4NTLLNV3YDUYLOPJGA.jpg?auth=9c75bced481d75e4361cdd8e035d76600260a738d2b4524b0fd65265bfe841eb&width=16&height=20&quality=70&smart=true)
Banana and coconut are a dreamy combination. The cake recipe, from Donna Hay’s The Fast Five, celebrates the mix of flavours.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DF4D6JGWT25PYVANXHIUBOCC74.jpg?auth=a910ecfaca392f5433a4e54434de3d00c184bcc06cb7240b6eb49008c0e553e0&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Another dessert that revels in simple pleasures. Simply split the bananas down the middle, cover with brown sugar sauce and bake until caramelised.