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Banana Bread and Beyond: 17 Ways to Bake with Your Favorite Fruit

Banana Bread and Beyond: 17 Ways to Bake with Your Favorite Fruit

In the life of a banana, the time between "perfectly ripe" and "overripe" can be but a fleeting moment. That's why banana bread was invented! And that's just the beginning: Transform your past-prime fruit into first-rate muffins, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

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Banana-Chocolate Bread

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In the life of a banana, the time between "perfectly ripe" and "overripe" can be but a fleeting moment. That's why banana bread was invented! And that's just the beginning: Transform your past-prime fruit into first-rate muffins, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

Banana-Chocolate Bread

Chocolate chunks add a touch of luxury to the workaday loaf. We like the variety of sizes we get from chopping: Tiny bits of chocolate flavor the bread beautifully, while larger ones provide big hits of deliciousness.

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Gluten-Free Banana-Almond Butter Muffins

Lennart Weibull

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We've transformed one of our favorite snacks, bananas schmeared with almond butter, into a spectacular morning muffin. Top with granola before baking for a satisfying crunch.

3 of 17

Vegan Banana Bread

Emily Kate Roemer

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No butter or eggs allowed? No problem! Coconut oil, ground flaxseed, and almond milk fill in for them seamlessly in this tasty quick bread.

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Banana Upside-Down Tart

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Like a tarte tatin but with bananas! The fruit is thinly sliced and amped up with rum caramel sauce for a showstopping topping.

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Hummingbird Cake

John Kernick

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This Southern layer cake features a crowd-pleasing combination of banana, pineapple, and coconut. The name's origin remains something of a mystery: Some say the appellation was given because the cake is as sweet as nectar; others, that the confection makes you hum with happiness.

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Sugar-Free Banana-Apple Muffins

Bryan Gardner

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You won't miss the sugar in these buckwheat-based muffins. They're plenty sweet without, thanks to the addition of honeycrisp apple, mashed banana, and honey.

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Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Victor Schrager

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In one batch of hearty cookies, find the flavors of two bakery classics: chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Chopped walnuts and rolled oats give them extra oomph.

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Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed Muffins

John Kernick

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Shredded zucchini, ripe banana, and ground flaxseed dial up the nutrition factor in these moist muffins.

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Banana Whoopie Pies

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These golden-edged banana cookies stuffed with cream-cheese frosting unite two favorites -- whoopie pie and moist banana cake -- in an immensely satisfying revival.

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Morning Glory Muffins

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Banana shares the spotlight with carrots, raisins, and oats in these hearty, low-fat muffins.

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Banana Bread with Walnuts and Flaxseed

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Flaxseed and walnuts add plenty of healthy fat to this sweet and satisfying bread.

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Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting

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For a handheld treat that takes the cake, try these cute confections -- they combine the flavor of classic banana bread with a creamy spiced frosting.

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Gluten-Free Banana-Walnut Muffins

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Two alternative flours -- brown rice and tapioca -- plus finely ground walnuts, potato starch, and xanthan gum give these banana muffins just the right texture.

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Banana Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream

Con Poulos

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Moist banana-buttermilk cake studded with crunchy pecans and topped with rich caramel frosting will be the hit of the party.

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Healthy Banana-Blueberry Muffins

Marcus Nilsson

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Even if you already have a go-to blueberry muffin recipe, you have to try this light, moist rendition incorporating wheat germ and ripe bananas. It'll make a convert out of anyone.

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Banana-Walnut Loaf

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Everyone needs a great banana bread recipe in their recipe box to make good use of ripe fruit. This loaf uses three cups of mashed banana as well as crunchy toasted walnuts.

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Banana-Pecan Cake

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This delicious twist on the classic quick bread is wonderfully moist thanks to mashed banana and buttermilk. Ground cloves and cinnamon add a touch of warmth.

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