5 Unique Ways To Use Bananas This Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for new and creative ways to incorporate our favorite fruits into our Christmas celebrations. One fruit that often gets overlooked is the humble banana. But not this year! We're here to show you 5 unique ways to use bananas this Christmas that will add a touch of warmth and festivity to your holiday gatherings.

From sweet treats to savory delights, bananas can be used in a variety of dishes that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply looking for some new ideas to spice up your holiday cooking, we've got you covered.

1. Banana Christmas Tree Brunch Dish

Start your Christmas morning off right with a delicious and visually stunning banana Christmas tree brunch dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a crowd and can be customized to fit your family's tastes.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 ripe bananas
• 1 cup granola
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on a platter or individual plates in the shape of a Christmas tree.
• Sprinkle the granola, yogurt, honey, walnuts, coconut, and chocolate chips over the bananas.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

2. Banana and Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies

These soft and chewy banana and peanut butter Christmas cookies are a twist on the classic peanut butter cookie. They're perfect for a holiday cookie exchange or as a sweet treat for Santa.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mash the bananas and peanut butter together until smooth.
• Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
• Fold in the chopped peanuts.
• Scoop the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

3. Banana and Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This moist and flavorful banana and cinnamon swirl bread is perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch. The cinnamon swirl adds a warm and comforting touch to this delicious bread.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, mash the bananas and sugar together until smooth.
• Add the softened butter and mix until well combined.
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the batter.
• Use a knife or spatula to create a swirl design on top of the bread.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Banana and Chocolate Fondue

This rich and decadent banana and chocolate fondue is perfect for a holiday party or gathering. Serve with sliced bananas, marshmallows, and cake for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the chocolate chips over low heat until melted and smooth.
• Add the heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces and serve with the fondue.
• Dip the bananas, marshmallows, and cake into the fondue for a sweet and indulgent treat.

5. Banana and Pecan Upside-Down Cake

This moist and flavorful banana and pecan upside-down cake is perfect for a holiday dessert. The caramelized bananas and pecans add a sweet and crunchy texture to this delicious cake.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mash the bananas and sugar together until smooth.
• Add the softened butter and mix until well combined.
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the batter.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Invert the cake onto a serving plate and serve warm.

We hope these 5 unique ways to use bananas this Christmas have inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. From sweet treats to savory delights, bananas can add a touch of warmth and festivity to your holiday gatherings. So go ahead, get baking, and make this Christmas one to remember!