Easy Banana Recipes
I don’t know about your family, but we go through A LOT of bananas. And I’m ever so thankful they are cheap and nutritious! And so versatile! Since my daughter is not 2 years old yet, we haven’t introduced any added sugars yet, so banana works beautifully as a substitute in SO many ways. Go ahead and freeze extra bananas so you will always have them on hand when you need them. I am sharing some of our most popular baby and toddler friendly banana recipes that can double as fun food activities to pique the interest of even the pickiest eater.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Bites or Logs
Sure you can just serve banana plain. But why not dress it up with a nutrition booster spread like peanut, nut, or seed butter, yogurt, or even ricotta? For toddlers and kids, you can set up a toppings bar! Some suggestions include chopped fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, coconut, and granola. Simply lay them out and allow your child to add as much or as little as they wish. Be sure to include a food that your child is learning to like. Engaging them in fun activities like this can encourage them to try foods they may not have otherwise. While you may think adding vegetables to bananas is weird or off-putting, remember – this is a learned food habit/preferences. If your child sees veggies incorporated into “unexpected” food combinations from early on, they will learn that it is “normal” to have let’s say carrots with peanut butter and banana. Just food for thought ;). Your child may decide not to add any veggies, and that’s totally fine, too! Remember, pressuring doesn’t work!! Constant exposure and role modeling do! Even just seeing or touching a food your child is learning to like counts as exposure. I encourage you to play the long game.
2. Banana Sushi
You can keep it super simple by adding just banana and rolling it into a log or go a step further and add sliced strawberries, chia seeds, finely ground nuts, shredded coconut, etc. These roll ups makes for a great addition to school lunch boxes as well!
3. Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
Invite fun and variety to the classic peanut butter sandwich by grilling and adding banana, cheese, and even carrots! This is such a great way to bring excitement and taste into the mix. And yes, you can use almond butter or any nut or seed butter of choice, like sunflower seed butter. A Master List of Sandwich Ideas for Toddlers
4. Banana French Toast
This banana French toast is such an EASY breakfast to whip up! Take any bread, soak in the banana egg mixture, and cook to golden brown perfection. Drizzle with maple syrup and it’s perfection!
5. Banana Cookies
Did you know that you can make the most delicious cookies with just 3 ingredients?! Yup, it’s true! If you’ve never baked with your child before, these 3 ingredient banana cookies will be a perfect one to start with. Next, try these breakfast cookies!
6. Banana Bread
When you have overripe banana, you gotta make bread, right? These banana date bread and banana bread with self-rising flour are made with minimal ingredients and no added sugar. It’s perfect for babies 6 months and up. Fun fact – So many families have used this recipe for their smash cakes by baking in a round pan and covering with yogurt. You may be interested in: Healthy First Birthday Cake Oh and this pumpkin banana bread or cranberry banana bread.
7. Banana Cake
You can absolutely make a perfectly moist, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cake without refined sugars and a ton of butter. And one of the key ingredients is, you guessed it, bananas! You’re going to love these moist and EASY cake recipes!
8. Banana Pancakes
You actually can make an awesome baby-friendly banana pancakes with just bananas and eggs! Simply mash 1 ripe banana and combine with 2 lightly beaten eggs. You need to be pretty careful when flipping as the pancakes are fragile. OR Add oats (or flour of choice) for firmer pancakes, as well as ricotta or Greek yogurt, and hemp seeds for a boost of protein! You have to try these banana oat pancakes! You may enjoy: Healthy Pancakes for babies and toddlers
9. Banana Chia Pudding
4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time are all you need to make this banana chia pudding. Simply mash bananas, combine with milk of choice and chia seeds and refrigerate overnight! It’s seriously the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack that’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats!
10. Muffins with Banana
Have a bunch of overripe bananas? Here are plenty of baby and toddler-friendly muffins that use banana as a natural sweetener. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week or freeze! Here’s how to properly store and freeze muffins so they taste as good as the day you made them.
11. Oatmeal Balls
Made with just 5 simple ingredients, these no bake oatmeal balls take no time to make and are great for snacks or breakfast!
12. Banana Oatmeal Bars
Whether you’re planning ahead or need a quick on-the-go snack, breakfast, or even a dessert, these soft and chewy banana oatmeal bars have got you covered. I kid you not, these are always in our freezer for a quick breakfast.
13. Banana Mug Cake
A hand of ingredients, microwave-safe mug, and 5 minutes are all you need to make this fluffy and moist banana mug cake that you can enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert!
14. Banana Brownies
My kids LOVE these banana brownies and orange chocolate brownies even more than traditional brownies that are oftentimes loaded with sugar. And you’re going to love how easy it is to whip up with simple ingredients. These freeze beautifully too!
15. Banana Milk
This easy banana milk made with real ingredients, no dyes or artificial flavors, and has just the right amount of sweetness. With only four ingredients and a blender, you’re just minutes away from enjoying the maximum banana flavor.
16. Banana Milkshake
Craving something creamier than milk or smoothies? Then you must try this banana milkshake made with frozen bananas. You will be surprised by how thick it gets even without ice cream!
17. Banana Popsicles
Last but not least, we need a frozen treat! Simply place a banana on a stick, dip it in chocolate over yogurt, and freeze it to perfection! It’s super fun to make with your child, and it’s the perfect dessert to share and to satisfy your sweet cravings.
