What to do with Frozen Bananas: (10 Creative Recipes)

Table of Frozen Bananas Recipes Overview

Are you ready to fall in love with some scrumptious frozen banana recipes?

We know that fresh bananas make a convenient and healthy snack. Even so, bananas ripen quickly, so freezing them for future use is an excellent idea.

Sweet, creamy, and addictively delicious, you can use frozen bananas in baking and create enticing sweet treats, snacks, smoothies, and desserts.

What to do with Frozen Bananas

Freezing bananas is a quick and straightforward process. For the purposes of our article, let’s show you how to thaw bananas correctly.

How to Thaw Frozen Bananas?

Here are 3 methods for your consideration:

Table of Frozen Banana Thawing Methods:

• Place the frozen bananas in a cool spot in the kitchen to thaw at room temperature for approximately 2 hours
• Place the frozen bananas in the refrigerator overnight. Should they not thaw thoroughly, leave them at room temperature out of direct sunlight for about 30 minutes
• Remove the frozen bananas from the plastic bag or container and place them in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Using the defrost setting at 50% power, set it for about 3 minutes 

Note: Microwave times may vary depending on how many bananas you want to thaw

Once the bananas thaw, you will notice a brown liquid residue. There is a debate amongst epicures as to whether the liquid should be drained and discarded or used in the recipe.  

Choosing to use the liquid may alter the result slightly. That said, everyone enjoys baked goods consistently differently. So, it all comes down to personal preference.  

Baker Sally is a frozen banana expert. Here is what she had to say:

“I actually strain all of this liquid out and discard it.

(Tip: If your banana baked good recipe calls for a liquid (like milk), you can use this brown banana liquid instead.)”

Sally gives excellent tips and tricks on frozen bananas. Keen to expand your knowledge?  Check this out!

Right, let’s jump into our bananalicious recipes.

Banana Bread using Frozen Bananas – The good old banana baked treat favorite (Vegetarian)

When you have ripe bananas, a popular go-to is banana bread.  

For this recipe, we suggest you use the ripest frozen bananas. Bananas that overripen slightly become sweeter, making them the perfect ingredient for baked products.  

It is okay to eliminate some of the sugar in the recipe. Using ripe bananas and too much sugar can create an overwhelming sweet taste.

The recipe calls for a ¾ cup (190ml) of sugar. We recommend you cut this back to ½ a cup (125ml) when using overripe bananas.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle ½ a teaspoon (2.5ml) of cinnamon and any seeds over the banana bread before baking. The cinnamon gives it a pleasant spicy back taste, and the seeds add to the aesthetics alongside a delicate crunch. 

Get Recipe:  Banana Bread using Frozen Bananas

Allergy information: dairy, eggs

Easy Carmalized Bananas with Cinnamon – Delightful and versatile (Vegetarian)

Bananas caramelize beautifully!

You can use caramelized bananas as a topping for ice cream, on peanut butter toast, or layer them between ice cream, jello, and whipped cream to create a fun dessert.

Our favorite use for these tasty little beauties is a topping for custard pie. Not only does it brighten up the pie, but it also brings a delightful, sweet twist. 

Moreover, the nutmeg ingredient in the pie recipe complements the cinnamon in the bananas.

Why not consider this dessert for your next Christmas celebration? Certainly, the cinnamon and nutmeg align with the culinary Christmas vibe.  

Pro Tip: Complete the custard pie with a delectable layer of whipped cream and garnish with fresh garden mint. Pure indulgence!

Get Recipe:  Easy Carmalized Bananas with Cinnamon

Try out this Recipe:  Egg Custard Pie

Allergy information: dairy, eggs (in the custard pie)

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream – Smooth and Satisfying (Vegan)

Making ice cream is the best way to use frozen bananas without thawing them.

We love that frozen bananas become super creamy when blended. For this reason, there is no need to add another creamy-based ingredient, such as cream or milk.  

Decidedly, those following a vegan diet adore this nutty and creamy tasty treat.  

This recipe calls for maple syrup. Yet, you can opt for molasses or honey (for vegetarians) and yield similar sweet results.  

Better yet, you can leave the natural sweetener out altogether. The combo of peanut butter and banana creates just enough sweetness.

Pro Tip: Try this delicious vegan salted caramel sauce to drizzle before serving

Get Recipe:  Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Try out this Recipe:  Vegan Salted Carmel Sauce

Allergy information: nuts

Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites – Quick and Morish (Vegetarian)

Frozen bananas and chocolate are a match made in heaven.

This recipe has 2 ingredients, namely frozen banana and chocolate chips. Easy peasy!

Let’s be honest, children love chocolate chips. So these cool and sweet treats make wonderful party snacks and an excellent healthier alternative to dairy ice cream.

Pro Tip: Pop in one or two fresh raspberries in each bite. The raspberries bring a refreshing and complementary sour note alongside a spot of color.

Get Recipe: 2-ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites

Allergy information: dairy (from the chocolate chips)

Frozen Banana Snack Bars – Fun and nutrient-rich (Vegetarian)

We understand that parents look out for healthy and nutritional snacks.

These frozen banana snack bars look amazing and taste even better! 

We love the different textures of the frozen banana, drizzled chocolate, and crushed peanuts. Cool and crunchy with every bite.   

Pro Tip: Drizzle the vegan salted caramel sauce mentioned above over these snack bars. Furthermore, use them to liven up a regular bowl of vanilla ice cream.  

Note: The recipe uses fresh bananas before freezing the finished product. Don’t worry; you can use thawed bananas. However, we recommend you eat all of these treats once frozen again.  

We promise the family will demolish them!

Get Recipe:  Frozen Banana Snack Bars

Allergy information: nuts, dairy (from the melted chocolate chips)

Healthy Banana Frozen Yogurt

Of all the fruits to use to make frozen yogurt, the banana comes out on top.

While the yogurt ingredient gives it the distinct “yogurt” taste, the smooth, creamy, and sweet frozen banana almost “hides” this flavor.  

Therefore, this frozen banana recipe may trick any fuzzy eaters into believing it is ice cream—hint hint to all the parents out there.

The recipe calls for plain yogurt. If you want extra creaminess, use a double cream or Greek yogurt.  

Pro Tip:  Serve independently as a healthy snack or on Sunday morning waffles smothered with maple syrup.  

Get Recipe:  Healthy Banana Frozen Yogurt

Allergy information: dairy

Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas – Life is like a box of Summer chocolates (Vegetarian)

Take your palate to chocolate heaven again with these “Italian Kisses” style treats.

Yes, small enough to pop into your mouth, every bite brings a satisfying snap from the chocolate coating and a smooth, sweet finish with the banana filling.  

You can serve these bite-size delights alongside coffee, use them as a delicious garnish on ice cream, or enjoy them as is.  

Whatever you decide to do with them, we recommend you double the batch. These little guys will surely fly off the table.  

Pro Tip: Those with a super sweet palate can make these using the Carmalized Bananas with Cinnamon mentioned above. Once the bananas have cooled, dip them in the chocolate and freeze. Truly yummy!

Allergy information: dairy (from the chocolate)

Creamy and Decadent Macha Nice Cream – Too sweet to handle … for some (Vegetarian)

We feel the “Nice Cream” should read “Insanely Nice Cream”.

Macha powder is part of the green tea family and offers excellent health benefits.    It has a natural earthy, grassy taste and aroma.  

Hence, the sweetened condensed milk in this recipe is the perfect ingredient to soften the taste of macha that not all palates enjoy.

The color is gorgeous, similar to a pistachio ice cream.  

So, is this sweet treat too sweet to handle? Try it out and discover a new and exciting ice cream sensation.

Pro Tip:  Garnish with fresh garden mint and serve with a vanilla cookie

Get Recipe:  Creamy and Decadent Macha Nice Cream

Allergy information: dairy

Date Shake – Not your average shake to have on a date (Vegetarian)

Our favorite combo must be dates and bananas. 

Of course, these 2 ingredients offer a powerful sweet punch, so this shake is for those with a sweet tooth.

Dates come in several varieties, and this recipe calls for Madjool dates. We agree strongly with this choice, as they are the softest and “creamiest” dates.  

In addition, the use of almond milk and almond butter enhances the flavor. The reason is that almonds are a date’s best buddy.  

Enjoy this shake with a loved one under a palm tree at the beach on a hot summer day. Undoubtedly, the perfect date!

Pro Tip: Add a pinch or two of cinnamon to take it up a notch

Get Recipe: Date Shake

Allergy information: nuts

Banana Mousse – Smooth and Indulgent (Vegetarian)

Who knew bananas make a decadent mousse?

Indeed, they do, and this recipe proves the point deliciously. The heavy cream makes the mousse oh-so-tasty, and the yogurt gives it a subtle sour kick, yet not overpowering.

If you are a chocolate mousse fan, why not get creative and layer banana mousse with your favorite chocolate mousse recipe? 

This technique not only looks beautiful but the chocolate ingredient pairs perfectly.  

Pro Tip:  Complete the layered mousse with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a few chocolate chips, and fresh raspberries. Just like that, you have a gorgeous and delicious summer dessert!

Get Recipe:  Banana Mousse 

Try out this Recipe:  3-ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Allergy information: dairy

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can I do with frozen unpeeled bananas?

Frozen banana recipes include a variety of sweet indulgences. Use frozen bananas to make ice cream, chocolate-covered treats, banana bread, banana muffins, smoothies, and frozen yogurt, to name a few.

Are bananas still good after frozen?

Bananas can be frozen for up to 6 months. If you leave them in the freezer for additional time, they could get freezer burn. They are still safe to eat but will yield a less-quality product.  

Will frozen bananas turn brown?

Unpeeled bananas turn brown in the freezer. However, you can peel them, and the banana should not be discolored. Ensure peeled, sliced, or mashed bananas are frozen in zip-lock bags or airtight plastic containers. Any contact with the icy air turns the bananas brown.

Why do frozen bananas taste better?

When you thaw frozen bananas, the amylase and starches in the cells disperse through the defrosting fruit. This process leads to some of the starches converting into sugar. This rise in sugar contributes to the sweeter taste.

Final Frozen Banana Thoughts

One would be crazy not to fall in love with these delectably sweet and fruity recipes. 

Think about it: Banana ice cream or frozen yogurt is an excellent healthy alternative to dairy-based ice cream.

Apart from this, banana is one of the most popular fruit ingredients for baking.

So, what are you waiting for? Defrost those bananas and make something new and delicious for your family and friends.

What recipe did you choose? Get in touch.

We would love to hear from you.