Look What You Can Do With Banana Bread

Well, if you start with the right banana bread, you won’t have any leftovers.  But just in case you do, let me give you six scrumptious ideas.

You have to start with scrumptious banana bread.  Here are four tips for great banana bread:

Start with very ripe bananas. Squishy ripe bananas have two to three times the flavor of ripe bananas. We let our leftover bananas get black and then freeze them.

Add a teaspoon of banana flavor. It doesn’t matter how ripe the bananas are, banana flavor will make your bread or muffins a little better.

Add cinnamon chips. Get a burst of sweet cinnamon in every bite. Cinnamon chips make an amazing difference.

Refrigerate your bread. Wrap your bread and refrigerate it overnight.  After chilling, the banana bread is easier to cut into nice, uniform slices and it holds together better.

Ideas for Your Leftover Banana Bread

Idea #1: Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Sandwiches

The billboard image above is of a banana bread sandwich made with peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter and honey go with banana bread also.

Consider all the flavored honeys that are available also. You can do some amazing stuff.

Nutella or Nutella with honey goes well with banana bread.

Idea #2: Banana Bread with a Cream Cheese Spread

You can buy a cream cheese and berry spread in the grocery store but it’s easy to make your own.  Simply whip jam into softened cream cheese and sweeten to taste.

Consider fruit syrups.  Apricot syrup whipped with cream cheese is one of our favorite spreads.

Idea #3: Banana Bread French Toast

This is one of the best ideas on the planet—banana bread French toast.

Make it like regular French toast only don’t soak it long in the egg wash—it tends to fall apart. Chilling the banana bread in the refrigerator overnight helps.

Idea #4: Banana Bread ala Mode

This is a simple idea.  Pile some ice cream on a couple of slices of banana bread. Pour some caramel topping over it and sprinkle on chopped pecans. Of course, you don’t have to stay with vanilla ice cream.

Idea #5: Delectable Banana Bread French Toast

Transform your leftover banana bread slices into a decadent breakfast or brunch delight. Dip thick slices of your favorite banana bread recipe in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a hint of cinnamon. Fry them to golden perfection in melted butter until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful morning treat.

Idea #6: Heavenly Banana Bread Bread Pudding

Give your leftover banana bread a luxurious makeover by turning it into a rich and indulgent bread pudding. Tear the banana bread into chunks and place them in a prepared loaf pan. Whisk together a custard mixture of eggs, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then pour it over the banana bread. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the top for extra decadence. Bake until set and golden brown for a dessert that's sure to impress.

Idea #7: Irresistible Banana Bread Truffles

Utilize your extra banana bread to create bite-sized delights that are perfect for snacking or gifting. Crumble the banana bread into fine crumbs and mix it with softened cream cheese until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and chill them until firm. Dip the banana bread truffles into melted chocolate and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips for a luxurious finish. Enjoy these heavenly treats straight from the fridge or freezer.

Idea #8: Frozen Banana Bread Delight

Embrace the versatility of your leftover banana bread by freezing it for later enjoyment. Slice the banana bread into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When cravings strike, simply thaw a slice or two at room temperature or briefly warm them in the oven for a convenient and delicious snack.

Idea #9: Scrumptious Banana Bread Parfait

Layer your leftover banana bread with creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey to create a wholesome and satisfying parfait. Simply cube the banana bread into bite-sized pieces and alternate layers of banana bread with your favorite yogurt and toppings in a glass or bowl. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or granola for added texture and enjoy this delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between.

More Ideas for Banana Bread

You can pair almost any sweet spread with banana bread.

I’ve added flavored whipped cream to banana bread. Try Caramel Nut Whipped Cream to banana bread.  See “Ten Ways to Make Flavored Whipped Cream.”

You can make a loaf of banana bread into a desert loaf simply by drizzling frosting over the loaf. In fact, you can make it look like a cake by baking it in a bundt pan.

(Many bundt pans are bigger than a loaf pan. Consider doubling the recipe or using two mixes.  That may be too much batter. But that’s not a problem—put the leftover batter in a smaller pan.  Banana bread baked in ramekins is delightful.)

Next on my list is to add homemade marshmallow cream to banana bread. I’m thinking strawberry marshmallow cream would be really good.  See how to make homemade marshmallow cream. (By the way, this recipe makes marshmallow cream of a consistency that you can pipe it with a pastry bag.)

The Prepared Pantry Banana Bread Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey that marries the comforting flavors of banana bread with the indulgent richness of chocolate chips. Say goodbye to ordinary banana bread and elevate your baking experience with our favorite banana bread recipe, enhanced with luscious chocolate chips. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy banana bread recipe promises moist, flavorful loaves that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients to begin your baking adventure:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cups very ripe bananas (about five bananas)
• 1 teaspoon banana flavor
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture.
3. In a separate large bowl, begin by creaming together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Next, add in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and the tantalizing banana flavor. Combine these wet ingredients until well incorporated.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
6. Now, it's time to introduce the star of the show – the chocolate chips. Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked to perfection, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about ten minutes. Then, carefully transfer the banana bread to wire racks to cool completely.
10. For ultimate freshness and moistness, store the cooled banana bread in plastic bags and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Indulge your senses with each decadent bite of this chip banana bread masterpiece. With its perfect balance of moist banana goodness and rich chocolatey bursts, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, this easy-to-make banana bread is bound to impress even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of irresistible chocolate chip banana bread today!