My family is in love with this post right now because they were the recipients of all my creations.  These are tried and true DIY snacks using bananas that your family will enjoy, too!

We love bananas. They are pretty inexpensive, easily purchased (often Kwik Trip gas stations are the cheapest place to buy them), and a healthy whole food. They are high in potassium,  high in antioxidants, high in vitamin B6, low in salt and have tasty naturally occurring sugar. The health benefits of bananas are numerous, but some of them include being good for your cardiovascular health, aiding in your digestive health, and helping relieve cramping (both menstrual and athletic.) So, why not eat some bananas today?

There are so many great recipes that can be made with bananas, but I wanted to share some easy favorites that my family likes and are perfect for after school snacks.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This is just simply vanilla (or plain yogurt) with fruit in alternating layers. Pictured here is the top layer where I put all different fruits (strawberry, blueberry, and banana) in an attractive arrangement on top.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

This is one of my son’s favorite sandwiches. Just put peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter or any other nut butter of your choosing) on each slice of bread. Cut up banana slices and place on a single layer between the 2 slices. I use about 1/2 banana for one sandwich.

Fried Cinnamon Bananas

Fried cinnamon bananas are super simple to make and super tasty. The naturally occurring sugar in the bananas will caramelize while they are frying and taste fantastic!  All you need is coconut oil, banana slices, and cinnamon.

Melt 1-2T of coconut oil in the bottom of a frying pan. Place a single layer of banana slices in the hot oil. Fry until the bottom of the slices start to brown. Flip each one carefully. They do start to stick to the bottom because of the caramelization, so flip carefully if you care about presentation. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Fry until golden brown on the 2nd side (this will occur much more quickly than the first side). Allow to cool before removing. These taste delicious on their own or served over the top of some ice cream or yogurt.

Banana Cream Pie Protein Shake

Seriously, my kids love this banana cream pie protein shake!  You can use whatever vanilla protein shake mix you like or fits in your diet, but I like EAS Protein Powder because it often comes on sale at Target and I can buy it on Amazon. Sometimes we have this shake as a quick breakfast, while other times we have it before sports or working out.

To make it,  use 8 ounces of milk, 1 banana and 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder. Blend in a blender until smooth. Top with whip cream, if desired.

I usually use 2% milk, but if you want a creamier flavor use whole milk.

If you like this protein shake, then you should also try out my Birthday Cake Protein Shake that also uses vanilla protein powder.

Banana Bread

You could give this recipe of Christina’s a try for Easy Homemade Banana Bread. My banana bread is a little darker because I use whole wheat flour in it. Banana bread is one of my kids favorite after school snacks. Also, I make banana bread as part of a weekend breakfast. The house always smells so wonderful when banana bread is baking. This Clean Eating Banana Blueberry Bread Recipe is also fantastic!

Frozen Banana Bites

To make these frozen banana bites you just need banana slices, peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter or any other nut butter you enjoy) and almond bark.

I used 1 cube of almond bark per 1 1/2 bananas. I found it’s easiest if you make your banana “sandwiches” first and freeze them for at least an hour before dipping them in melted chocolate. They will stay together better while you are dipping them, plus the chocolate will set right away. Melt your almond bark as directed on the package and dip your banana bites in it. Place on wax paper or a silicone sheet to allow the bark to set. Return to the freezer until you are ready to serve.

You could make a big batch of these and have them ready to serve your kids after school several times.

Other delicious ideas of other healthy  recipes you can make with bananas include:

• DIY Healthy Patriotic Smoothie
• Dehydrated Banana Chips
• S’mores Sugar Cones (not really healthy, but it does have bananas and is tasty!)
• Banana “Sushi” Roll-Ups

Note: This post contains affiliate links that help support this blog at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy for more info.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save