As you probably know, a kid’s food preferences can change quickly. One week they love something and the next week, they can’t stand it.
This is usually how it goes with bananas at our house. One week we run out after three days, so what do I do the next week? Of course, I stock up on them, but then for some reason, no one eats them.
This often leaves me with a lot of overripe bananas, so I’ve become good at using them up in several different ways.
In case you have the same problem as me, here are a few ways I like to use them up once they’re a bit too ripe to eat on their own.
Nice Cream – This is a family favorite and so easy to make as well! Perfect for the summer months, but also just as yummy once the weather turns cold! If you’re feeling adventurous, add in peanut butter, nuts or even chocolate chips!
Smoothies – When those bananas get a bit too ripe, I peel them, cut them in half and add them to a plastic bag in my freezer. My family loves smoothies, so now we have bananas on the go any time we want to make one! FYI – Frozen bananas is often what gives a smoothie its creaminess, so I add one to almost every smoothie I make!
Popsicles – What happens when I make too much smoothie? I pour the leftovers into a popsicle mold! My kids love popsicles and I love giving them one I know is healthy! So that makes this a winner recipe all the way around.
Breakfast Cookies – These cookies are so good! If you have trouble getting your kids to eat something in the morning before school, this recipe might do the trick! My kids can never turn down a cookie and it makes mornings before school so much easier for everyone!
Oatmeal – My kids and I love oatmeal. In order to add some sweetness without adding sugar, I use a ripe banana. I add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to a saucepan. I heat until the oatmeal has reached my desired consistency. Mash in 1 banana and 1 tsp. cinnamon. This recipe serves 2. Feel free to double or triple to feed more or to serve throughout the week!
What’s one of your favorite way to use up ripe bananas?
