Bananas are an iconic staple in Australia, and they’re a regular appearance in your Good & Fugly fruit boxes. They are delicious all by themselves, of course, and make the perfect morning snack, lunch box item, or dessert.
But did you know there is so much more that you can do with bananas? They’re a very versatile fruit! Here are ten ideas to get the creative juices flowing (and why not consider going easy on the added sugar below by considering monk fruit or another similar non-sucrose sweetener and sugar-free chocolate?):
- Bake a banana pound cake with caramel glaze for a classic dessert: Take banana bread to the next level by baking it as a banana pound cake. The caramel glaze drizzle is optional, of course, but it sure adds a rich and sweet finish that is very moreish. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
- Blend a peanut butter banana smoothie for a filling and nutritious breakfast or snack. There is a way to be both a little healthy and treat yourself a little, and this is a good option for that. In a blender, combine ripe bananas, a scoop of peanut butter, and your choice of milk or yogurt. Blend until smooth, and you'll have a creamy and satisfying smoothie that provides a good balance of protein, fibre, and natural sweetness. This versatile concoction is equally suitable as a quick breakfast or a refreshing snack to keep you energised throughout the day.
- Freeze and puree ripe bananas to make a one-ingredient ice cream substitute that is dairy-free and vegan. All you need to do for this is peel and slice ripe bananas, freeze the slices, and then blend them until smooth. The result is a velvety, dairy-free, and vegan “ice cream” that captures the natural sweetness of bananas. Customize your creation by adding a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of honey for an extra layer of flavour.
- Mash bananas and mix them with eggs and oats to make three-ingredient banana pancakes: This is another super simple dish that is easy to quickly whip up for a tasty yet nutritious breakfast. Mash ripe bananas and mix them with eggs and oats to create a simple batter. Cook the pancakes on a griddle until golden brown, and enjoy a stack of fluffy and naturally sweet pancakes without the need for added sugar or flour.
- Dip banana slices in melted chocolate and freeze them for a chocolate-covered banana treat: Combine the irresistible duo of chocolate and bananas by creating chocolate-covered banana treats. Dip banana slices into melted chocolate, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, and then place them on a tray to freeze. The result is a delightful frozen dessert that pairs the creamy texture of banana with the rich taste of chocolate. It’s better than reaching for the ice cream during the Australian hot months!
- Make a banana cornbread with blueberries and orange zest for a fruity twist on a classic: Give traditional cornbread a fruity twist by adding ripe bananas, blueberries, and a hint of orange zest. As a fusion of savoury and sweet, this is one of those things that, once you try it for yourself, you won’t be able to get enough of it.
- Slice bananas and layer them with vanilla wafers and custard to make a “Deep South” banana pudding: All this dish requires is that you layer sliced bananas, vanilla wafers, and rich custard. The combination of creamy custard, tender bananas, and the satisfying crunch of vanilla wafers creates a comforting and nostalgic dessert – even if you’ve never actually been to the Southern US states!
- Fry banana slices in batter and sprinkle them with dried coconut to make banana fritters: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, banana fritters are a timeless dessert treat. The best way to eat these is when they’re still piping hot, but you can also refrigerate them for future use.
This might not be the healthiest list of recipes and ideas that we’ve shared, but that’s the magic of the banana. It’s an enormously healthy fruit, and the perfect option for those looking for treats that they won’t feel guilty about… but when you are looking to indulge, the humble banana more than has you covered there too.
