How To Use Overripe Bananas To Create Delicious Treats

Nice Cream 

There is no need to pop out to the grocery store to get your fix of creamy ice cream. Use those overripe bananas to whip up a batch of nice cream. All you need are a few frozen chopped bananas and milk (dairy or almond). Blitz the ingredients together until smooth in a high-speed blender and viola! If you want to spice it up a little, try this recipe for chocolate peanut butter nice cream: Ingredients:

• 4 bananas, chopped and frozen
• 4 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop plant protein (brown rice or soy protein), chocolate flavour
• 100ml almond milk
• 3 tsp cacao
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender. Process until smooth and mixed well.
2. Pour into a container and place in the freezer overnight.
3. Scoop and serve!

Source: www.fitnessmag.co.za/recipe-dairy-free-chocolate-peanut-butter-ice-cream/

French Toast

If you have stale bread and overripe bananas sitting around, then here's the perfect solution - sweet French toast topped with caramelised bananas. Take things a step further by adding a scoop of your perfectly made nice cream! Not sure how to make French toast? Follow this recipe step by step: Ingredients:

• 3 medium eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp milk or double cream
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
• 25 g unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 slices crusty white or brown bread

Method

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk/double cream, syrup and vanilla extract. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
2. Lay each slice of bread into the egg mixture, carefully coating both sides.
3. Fry each slice of bread for 1 - 2 minutes in the butter on both sides, until golden brown.
4. Sprinkle a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar over the French toast.
5. Serve with caramelised bananas and nice cream.

Adapted from: www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-banana-french-toast

Banana Loaf

If you've been seeing pictures of homemade banana bread popping up all over your social media timelines, it's because of the #BananaBreadChallenge. All over South Africa, people have taken to their kitchens to create their own versions of this timeless classic while in lockdown. Take those overripe bananas and join in on the fun! If you don't have Granny's recipe on hand, try this one out: Ingredients:

• 1-3/4 cups cake flour
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Method

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, bananas, oil, buttermilk and vanilla; add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in nuts.
2. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle with additional walnuts. Bake at 180° C for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Source: www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/best-ever-banana-bread/

Smoothie Bowls 

After all this banana-inspired indulgence, you may need a refreshing cleanse. Why not get creative with a few early morning smoothie bowls? Overripe bananas are perfect for getting a chilled, creamy smoothie consistency, so chopped up a few and keep them stored in the freezer. Still looking for an early morning treat? Try out this banana, avocado and cacao smoothie bowl topped with fresh berries and granola. Ingredients:

• 1 frozen chopped banana
• 1/4 avocado
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tsp natural honey or chopped dates
• 1/2 C almond milk
• 1 tbsp cold water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (uncooked)
• Fresh raspberries or blueberries
• Sugar-free toasted granola

Method

1. Blitz together all the ingredients, except the berries and granola, in a high-speed blender.
2. Pour into a bowl and top with fresh ingredients.
3. Enjoy!

Do you know of any other uses for overripe bananas? Let us know about them!