Banana desserts can be rich, creamy, fluffy, or even frozen, but they all bring the familiar sweetness and comfort of a ripe banana. From classic Southern-style puddings to frosted cakes and creamy ice creams, these treats show how versatile bananas can be. Some are baked, some are layered, and some are chilled, but they all offer something special for banana fans. Here are 17 ways to enjoy banana in everything from cupcakes to cookies.
Banana Pudding Cupcakes
These cupcakes are filled with banana pudding and topped with whipped cream or frosting. A vanilla wafer at the bottom or on top adds a nice crunch. They combine cake and pudding into one handheld dessert. Great for parties or anytime you want a little treat.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cupcakes
Cream Cheese Banana Pudding
This twist on banana pudding uses cream cheese to make the filling extra rich. Layers of sliced banana, cookies, and whipped topping come together in a dish that’s best chilled. The cream cheese gives it a tangy balance to the sweet layers. It’s a no-bake favorite for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Banana Pudding
Banana Pudding Layer Cake
This dessert stacks layers of cake with banana pudding in between. It’s frosted with whipped topping or buttercream and decorated with crushed cookies or banana slices. The contrast of fluffy cake and smooth pudding makes every bite interesting. Chill it well so the layers stay firm.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Layer Cake
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
A graham cracker crust holds a creamy cheesecake blended with banana pudding flavor. Some versions include cookie bits and banana slices inside. It’s chilled until set and topped with whipped cream. A fun blend of two well-loved desserts.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist banana cake is topped with thick cream cheese frosting. It’s simple but full of flavor, especially if you use overripe bananas. Add walnuts or pecans if you want some crunch. Great for birthdays or anytime baking.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana Cookie Bars with Caramel Frosting
These soft cookie bars are banana-flavored and baked in a sheet pan. The caramel frosting adds a sweet, buttery layer on top. They’re easy to slice and serve. Ideal for bake sales or lunchbox treats.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cookie Bars with Caramel Frosting
Banana Caramel Cake
Banana cake layers are paired with gooey caramel frosting or drizzle. It’s rich and sweet, with a soft texture and sticky topping. Serve chilled or room temp depending on the frosting. It holds up well and looks great sliced.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake
Banana Blueberry Muffins
These muffins are moist from banana and studded with juicy blueberries. They bake up with golden tops and a soft crumb inside. Great for breakfast or a snack on the go. Use fresh or frozen berries depending on what you have.
Get the Recipe: Banana Blueberry Muffins
Banana Pudding Brownies
Fudgy brownies get swirled or layered with banana pudding for a unique twist. The result is rich, dense, and full of flavor. Let them cool before slicing so they hold their shape. A fun mash-up of two desserts in one.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies
Banana Flax Bread
Mashed banana and ground flaxseed make this a dense, slightly nutty quick bread. It’s lightly sweet and great with a bit of butter or jam. Bakes well in a loaf pan and freezes easily. Works as a breakfast or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Banana Flax Bread
Banana Cream Pie
This classic pie has a crisp crust, creamy banana filling, and whipped topping. Sliced bananas are layered inside for texture. Chill thoroughly before serving to get clean slices. It’s one of the most well-known banana desserts for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Banana Cream Pie
Banana Pudding Cookies
These soft cookies have banana flavor and often include white chocolate chips or crushed cookies. The texture is chewy with a little crunch around the edges. They taste like banana pudding in cookie form. Good for gifting or baking in batches.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies
