Bananas, those humble yellow fruits, are a staple in many households. Whether you're a die - hard banana enthusiast or simply find yourself with a bunch on the verge of turning brown, there's a world of delicious banana desserts waiting to be explored beyond the classic banana bread. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through a variety of easy banana dessert recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and expand your dessert - making repertoire.

Let's start with the ever - popular banana ice cream. This dairy - free alternative is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to make. All you need are frozen bananas and a blender. Begin by peeling ripe bananas and slicing them into thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for a few hours until they're solid. Once frozen, transfer the banana slices to a blender. Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. In no time, you'll have a creamy, rich banana ice cream. You can customize it by adding a splash of vanilla extract, a spoonful of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Another delightful banana dessert is banana pudding. This classic Southern treat combines layers of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers. To make the custard, you'll need milk, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium - low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. In a serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the custard. Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Refrigerate the pudding for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld, and then enjoy this decadent dessert.

Banana pancakes are also a great way to use up bananas. These fluffy pancakes are not only delicious for breakfast but can also be a sweet treat at any time of the day. To make banana pancakes, start by mashing one or two ripe bananas in a bowl. Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, and an egg to the mashed bananas. Stir the ingredients together until just combined; be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the pancakes tough. Heat a non - stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the pancake batter in small circles. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip them over and cook until golden brown on the other side. Serve the banana pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a few extra slices of banana on top.

For those with a love for chocolate, banana chocolate lava cakes are a must - try. These individual cakes have a warm, gooey chocolate center and the added sweetness of bananas. To make the cakes, preheat your oven to a high temperature. In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the melted chocolate - butter mixture to the egg mixture and stir well. Mash a ripe banana and add it to the batter. Then, fold in flour until just combined. Divide the batter among greased ramekins and bake in the oven for a short period of time. The outside of the cakes will be set, but the center will be molten. Serve the banana chocolate lava cakes immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Banana tarts are another elegant dessert option. Start by making the tart crust. You can use a pre - made pie crust or make your own by combining flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press the crust into tart pans and bake it until golden brown. While the crust is cooling, make the banana filling. Mash ripe bananas and mix them with cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Spread the banana filling over the cooled tart crusts. You can top the tarts with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some sliced almonds for added flavor and texture.

Lastly, banana caramel bites are a simple yet addictive dessert. Take a ripe banana and cut it into small pieces. Dip each piece in melted caramel and then roll it in chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Place the banana caramel bites on a plate lined with parchment paper and let the caramel harden in the refrigerator. These bite - sized treats are perfect for parties or as a quick, sweet snack.

In conclusion, bananas are a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide range of delicious desserts. By venturing beyond banana bread, you can discover new flavors and textures that will make your dessert - making experience even more enjoyable. So, the next time you have a bunch of bananas, don't hesitate to try one of these easy and mouth - watering banana dessert recipes.