Advertisement
5 delicious desserts you can make using overripe bananas
25th September, 2026 02:52 PM
A bunch of bananas can go from bright yellow and firm to soft, brown and almost forgotten in a surprisingly short time. One minute, they are the perfect snack for the morning commute, and the next, they are sitting on the kitchen counter looking like they have been through a difficult week.
Before throwing them away, however, consider giving those overripe bananas a second chance. Their soft texture and concentrated sweetness make them particularly useful in homemade desserts, where they can add flavour, moisture and a naturally sweet taste without requiring expensive ingredients.
Whether you are craving something chocolatey, looking for a quick dessert after dinner or simply trying to reduce food waste, overripe bananas can help you create delicious treats with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Here are five sweet treats you can make using those neglected bananas.
Chocolate banana brownies
If you love brownies but want to experiment with a fruity twist, chocolate banana brownies are worth trying. The bananas add moisture and sweetness, while cocoa powder gives the dessert its rich chocolate flavour.
To prepare them, mash two very ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth. Add two tablespoons of melted butter, half a cup of sugar, one egg and a teaspoon of vanilla essence. Mix everything until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine half a cup of flour, a quarter cup of cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until the batter comes together. Add a handful of chocolate chips if you want an extra chocolatey finish.
Pour the batter into a greased baking tin and bake at 175°C for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into squares.
The result is a soft, fudgy dessert with a gentle banana flavour. Serve the brownies with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee.
Banana coconut balls
Banana coconut balls are a simple, bite-sized dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, fragrant flavour of coconut. They are particularly useful when you want something sweet but do not feel like spending an afternoon baking.
Start by mashing two ripe bananas in a bowl. Add one cup of desiccated coconut, two tablespoons of condensed milk and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients form a thick, slightly sticky mixture.
If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add a little more coconut. Roll small portions between your palms to form bite-sized balls, then coat them in additional desiccated coconut.
Arrange the balls on a tray and refrigerate for about an hour until they become firmer. For extra flavour, you can add a little vanilla essence or finely chopped nuts.
These treats have a soft, chewy texture and a pleasant coconut aroma. They are ideal for serving after dinner or enjoying when you want a quick sweet snack.
Banana bread pudding
If you have leftover bread and a few overripe bananas, banana bread pudding is a delicious way to bring them together. This warm dessert combines soft bread, creamy custard and sweet banana in a dish that is comforting without being complicated.
Cut four slices of bread into small cubes and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Mash two ripe bananas in a bowl, then whisk them with one egg, one cup of milk, two tablespoons of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla essence and a pinch of cinnamon.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, making sure the pieces absorb the liquid. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before baking at 180°C for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top.
For a richer flavour, add raisins, chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips before baking.
Serve the pudding warm with a little custard, yoghurt or a drizzle of honey. The soft centre and lightly crisp top make it a satisfying dessert, especially on a cool evening.
Banana chocolate truffles
Banana chocolate truffles are a lovely option for anyone who enjoys small, indulgent desserts. They combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich taste of chocolate, creating bite-sized treats that look impressive despite being relatively easy to prepare.
Mash one ripe banana in a bowl and mix it with one cup of crushed plain biscuits. Add two tablespoons of cocoa powder and stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
If the mixture feels too wet, add more crushed biscuits until it becomes firm enough to roll. Shape it into small balls and place them on a tray lined with baking paper.
Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, melt dark or milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate and place it back on the tray. Refrigerate until the chocolate coating has set.
For a decorative finish, sprinkle the truffles with crushed nuts, desiccated coconut or a little cocoa powder before the coating hardens.
The finished treats have a soft centre and a rich chocolate shell, making them a lovely addition to a homemade dessert platter.
Banana cinnamon rolls
Banana cinnamon rolls are a sweet, fragrant treat that brings together soft dough, mashed bananas and a warm cinnamon filling. They are perfect for a weekend afternoon when you have a little extra time to spend in the kitchen.
To make the dough, mash one ripe banana in a bowl and mix it with half a cup of warm milk, two tablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons of melted butter and one teaspoon of instant yeast.
Gradually add two cups of flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for several minutes, then cover and leave it in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread it with softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it tightly into a log and cut it into equal-sized pieces.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover and allow them to rise again before baking at 180°C for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once baked, drizzle with a simple icing made from icing sugar and a little milk. The rolls should be soft, sweet and filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon.
