Fancy a sweet treat but want to steer clear of refined sugar? Good news – ripe bananas make amazing natural sweeteners. Check out 8 low-sugar recipes that’ll satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Mash ripe bananas and add a hint of honey for a low-sugar treat.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash ripe bananas, mix with almond flour and eggs for a protein-filled brekkie.
- Banana Bread: Sub sugar and oil with ripe bananas for a healthier version.
- Banana Smoothie: Blend ripe bananas with almond milk, Greek yogurt and cinnamon for a creamy nutrition-packed drink.
- Peanut Butter Banana Cups: Combine mashed ripe bananas with peanut butter and top with dark chocolate.
- Baked Banana Chips: Slice ripe bananas thinly and bake for a crunchy, healthy snack.
- Banana Ice Cream: Blend frozen ripe bananas and cocoa powder for a dairy-free, low-sugar treat.
- Banana Pudding: Mash ripe bananas, add Greek yogurt, almond milk and vanilla extract for a light and low-sugar dessert.
Breakfast Recipes
Searching for a tasty, low-sugar breakfast? We’ve got it! Ripe banana recipes! They’re simple to make and need just a few ingredients. Plus, they’re chock full of fiber and protein. Keeps you full and energized all morning. Let’s have a look at these breakfast recipes and start cooking!
Low-Sugar Banana Oat Pancakes
These yummy yet healthy banana oat pancakes are a great breakfast for those who crave something sweet, yet don’t want to feel guilty. Here’s how to make them:
- Put one ripe banana in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons of water for a healthier option), 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
- Blend again until blended.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.
- Top with fresh fruit or maple syrup for sweetness and sliced almonds for crunch.
- Enjoy!
Banana and Nut Butter Toast
Tantalizing toast with banana and nut butter? Yes please! Here’s an easy recipe for guilt-free indulgence.
- Toast a slice of your favorite bread until golden and crisp.
- Spread on your favorite nut butter.
- Slice a ripe banana and place on top.
- Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
No added sugar needed – the ripe banana provides all the sweetness.
This recipe is just one of eight low-sugar ripe banana recipes, perfect for healthier breakfasts.
Banana and Greek Yogurt Smoothie
Make a delectable yet healthy breakfast with this Banana and Greek Yogurt Smoothie! Here’s what you’ll need:
- A ripe banana
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional).
To prepare:
- Peel the banana and cut into small pieces.
- Combine the banana pieces, Greek yogurt, almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey in a blender.
- Blend until creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
This smoothie is low in sugar due to the natural sweetness of bananas. For an extra nutritional boost, add berries or spinach!
Snack Recipes
Cravings for something sweet? No problem! Bananas are naturally sweet and make for a guilt-free indulgence. Here are eight low-sugar recipes with ripe bananas. Enjoy! Let’s get creative!
Low-Sugar Banana Chips
Banana chips are a yummy, yet healthy snack. But shop-bought versions can contain a lot of sugar. Making your own low-sugar banana chips is an easy and tasty way to satisfy your craving while still being mindful of your sugar intake.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Slice ripe bananas into thin rounds and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2-3 hours until they’re dry and crunchy, flipping them over halfway through.
- For added flavour, sprinkle with cinnamon or other spices before baking – no sugar needed!
Pro tip: Store in an airtight container to enjoy guilt-free snacking for up to a week!
Frozen Banana Bites
Frozen banana bites – a yummy and guilt-free treat! Here’s how to make them:
- Peel ripe bananas and cut into small pieces.
- Place the pieces on a parchment-lined tray.
- Heat low-sugar chocolate or peanut butter in a microwave bowl, stirring occasionally until creamy.
- Drizzle melted chocolate/peanut butter over banana slices.
- Sprinkle nuts/coconut flakes over the top.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Enjoy as a healthy snack or dessert. Pro tip: Add chia seeds or dried fruits for more flavor and nutrition!
Chocolate-Dipped Banana Pops
Crave something sweet, yet guilt-free? Try making chocolate-dipped banana pops! Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 8 wooden popsicle sticks
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Toppings (optional): chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, freeze-dried fruit.
Directions:
- Peel bananas, cut in half.
- Insert 1 stick into each banana half.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze 30 mins-1 hour.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave-safe bowl. Do 30 second intervals, stirring in between.
- Dip each banana in melted chocolate, use spoon to coat.
- Sprinkle toppings over chocolate coating.
- Put banana pops back on parchment paper. Freeze 15 mins.
- Enjoy your guilt-free snack or dessert!
Dessert Recipes
Do you love dessert? But, if you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, you might have to say goodbye to the desserts in the market. Worry not! Here are 8 delicious desserts with bananas as the main ingredient – so you can enjoy your sweet tooth without guilt. Let’s check ’em out!
Low-Sugar Banana Bread
Banana bread? Delicious, moist and guilt-free – even without sugar! This low-sugar recipe is a classic. Here’s what you’ll need: 3 ripe bananas, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt and (optional) 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Let’s get baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl and mix the applesauce, honey, eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda, flour and salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Fold in any add-ins.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Test if the bread is baked by sticking a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Pro tip: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll last up to a week!
Banana Nice Cream
Banana nice cream is a yummy, guilt-free treat that can be made with only 3 ripe bananas in less than 10 minutes!
To make it, peel and slice the bananas, then pop them in a ziplock bag and freeze for 2-3 hours.
When frozen, add the banana slices to your blender. Also, throw in 1 tablespoon of your sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup or agave nectar) and 1/4 cup of your milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy).
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You can serve it as soft serve or freeze it for 30 minutes to an hour for a firmer texture.
For extra flavor, add vanilla extract, peanut butter or cocoa powder. Top with fresh fruit or nuts for texture and crunch. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some low-sugar ripe banana recipes?
A: Some delicious low-sugar ripe banana recipes include banana bread, banana pancakes, banana smoothies, banana oatmeal, banana muffins, and banana ice cream.
Q: Is it healthy to eat ripe bananas?
A: Yes, ripe bananas are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They can help regulate digestion, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
Q: Can I substitute ripe bananas for sugar in recipes?
A: Yes, you can use mashed ripe bananas as a substitute for sugar in many recipes. This can help reduce the overall sugar content and add natural sweetness.
Q: How can I ripen bananas quickly?
A: To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a brown paper bag and fold the top closed. Leave the bag on the countertop overnight or for a day or two, checking regularly for ripeness.
Q: How do I store ripe bananas?
A: To store ripe bananas, you can leave them at room temperature for a few days or store them in the refrigerator. You can also freeze ripe bananas to use in smoothies or baking later.
Q: Can I make a low-sugar banana pudding?
A: Yes, you can make a low-sugar banana pudding by using ripe bananas as a natural sweetener and using non-fat milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream. You can also use sugar substitutes like stevia or honey in moderation.
