If you’ve got overripe bananas sitting on the counter, it’s time to put them to sweet, delicious use. Whether you’re baking for your family or need a quick treat for a gathering, banana dessert recipes are the perfect solution. Naturally sweet, easy to find, and budget-friendly, bananas bring flavor and moisture to any dish.
From classic banana bread to decadent banana pudding, this list of banana recipes for dessert will satisfy every craving. Let’s dive into the best ways to turn humble bananas into dessert masterpieces.

1. Classic Banana Bread

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm slice of banana bread. Moist, tender, and rich in banana flavor, this classic dessert never goes out of style.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mashed bananas with melted butter.
- Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix until smooth.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes.
2. Banana Cream Pie

This old-fashioned dessert is a showstopper at any party. It layers a buttery crust, rich custard, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream.
Quick Tip: Use a pre-baked pie crust to cut down on prep time.
3. Banana Pudding

A Southern staple, banana pudding is creamy, sweet, and layered with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas.
Pro Tip: Use instant vanilla pudding mix and fold in whipped cream for a lighter texture.
4. Fried Bananas

Perfect for a quick fix, fried bananas caramelize in a pan with butter and sugar. Serve with ice cream for a 5-minute dessert.
Optional Toppings: Cinnamon, honey, or a drizzle of Nutella.
5. Banana Foster

Made famous in New Orleans, this dessert is pure indulgence. Bananas are sautéed in a butter, brown sugar, and rum sauce, then flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream.
6. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these cookies are a healthy-ish treat for banana dessert lovers.
Bonus: Add chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra flavor.
7. Banana Ice Cream (Nice Cream)

No cream, no problem. Blend frozen bananas until smooth for a one-ingredient ice cream alternative.
Variations:
- Chocolate banana: Add cocoa powder
- Peanut butter banana: Add a scoop of peanut butter
- Berry banana: Add frozen strawberries
8. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Muffins make a great grab-and-go dessert. These are moist, flavorful, and loaded with chocolatey goodness.
9. Banana Cheesecake

Creamy, tangy, and layered with banana puree, banana cheesecake is a delightful twist on the traditional dessert.
Topping idea: Fresh banana slices and a drizzle of caramel.
10. Banana Split

A retro dessert that never gets old! Line up sliced bananas and top them with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. Add whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, and cherries.
11. Banana Crumb Cake

A fluffy banana cake topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble—perfect for dessert or brunch.
Tip: Add a powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
12. Banana Pancake Bites

Mini banana pancakes drizzled with maple syrup make a fun and delicious finger-food dessert.
13. Chocolate-Dipped Bananas

Freeze banana halves on sticks, dip them in melted chocolate, and roll in crushed nuts or sprinkles.
Great for kids and parties!
14. Banana Tart with Cream Cheese

This elegant dessert features a buttery tart crust, a creamy filling, and banana slices arranged like a flower. Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
15. Banana Coconut Bars

If you love tropical flavors, this dessert blends mashed bananas, shredded coconut, and condensed milk into a chewy, decadent treat.
16. Banana Chocolate Pudding

Layer banana slices with rich chocolate pudding and whipped cream. Add crushed cookies or graham crackers for texture.
17. Banana Upside-Down Cake

Swap pineapple for banana in this clever twist. Caramelized banana slices sit on top of a soft vanilla cake base.
18. Banana Beignets

Think of these as banana doughnut bites—fried to golden perfection and tossed in cinnamon sugar.
Dip in: Chocolate sauce or caramel.
19. Banana Parfait

Layer vanilla yogurt, banana slices, granola, and honey in a glass for a light and pretty dessert.
20. Banana Waffles with Ice Cream

Crispy waffles topped with sliced bananas, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. It’s breakfast for dessert—no judgment here.
21. No-Bake Banana Bars

No oven? No problem. Combine oats, mashed banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, then chill until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Dessert Recipes
- Use ripe bananas: The more speckled the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your dessert.
- Mash well: For a smoother texture, mash bananas thoroughly before adding to batter.
- Freeze for later: Overripe bananas freeze well. Peel and store in zip-top bags for smoothies or baking.
- Balance moisture: Bananas add moisture to recipes, so reduce other liquids slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Banana Count
Whether you’re baking banana bread or whipping up a fancy tart, these banana recipes for dessert bring out the best in this humble fruit. They’re perfect for using up overripe bananas and creating treats that feel homemade, comforting, and completely irresistible.
Next time you see bananas going brown on the counter, don’t toss them—turn them into a dessert masterpiece!