Twenty-seven pounds. That’s the amount of bananas most Americans eat each year. People eat more bananas than either apples or oranges, according to Chiquita bananas. They may just be the perfect fruit – they’re full of potassium, vitamin C and other nutrients. Even better, kids actually eat them! Once your kids are done downing them plain, trying mixing it up with these banana recipes. To start out the day, whirl up a winter smoothie and serve alongside banana crumb muffins. As an after-school snack, make PB&J banana dogs or no-bake cookie squares. As a treat, make frosted banana cookies.
Winter Smoothie
One of the most pinned recipes from the domestic diva herself is this winter smoothie from Martha Stewart. The creamy concoction is a combination of bananas and plain yogurt whirled with pineapple and orange juices plus a drizzling of honey and cinnamon.
Banana Crumb Muffins
You could make the standard version or this amped up recipe for banana crumb muffins from My Baking Addiction. The topping comes from a combination of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter. Add a spoonful of the crumb topping to each filled muffin cup before baking.
PB&J Banana Dogs
Combine two kid favorites – a hot dog and a PB&J sandwich – into one fun treat. This PB&J banana dog from Smucker’s is easy to put together. Slather a hot dog bun with crunchy peanut butter. Place a full banana inside and add jam to look like ketchup.
No-Bake Cookie Squares
This recipe for no-bake cookie squares from Chiquita Bananas has only three ingredients – ripe bananas, peanut butter baking chips and granola mix. Line a pan with nonstick foil. Then, in a saucepan add peeled bananas and mash. Over medium-low heat, add the baking chips, melt and then stir in granola. Press the mixture into the pan. Refrigerate and then cut and serve to hungry kids (these are great packed in lunches, too).
Banana Sushi
So if your kids aren’t fans of the regular variety (or even if they are), try this version of banana sushi from Babble. Here’s how it works: Peel a firm banana and then cover it in something to help the toppings stick like Nutella, cream cheese, marshmallow spread or Greek yogurt. Next, roll the banana in colored sprinkles, chopped nuts, cookie crumbs or whatever else comes to mind.
Frosted Banana Cookies
To make this recipe for frosted banana cookies from Land O’ Lakes, start with a cookie dough mixed with mashed bananas and orange zest. Bake up the cookies and then top with a frosting made with butter, brown sugar, half-and-half, powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla.
