What To Do With Leftover Banana Bread
Banana bread is a popular and delicious treat that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas.
It’s hard not to love its moist, sweet taste!
But sometimes we may find ourselves left with more banana bread than we anticipated, leaving us wondering what to do with the leftover slices.
Don’t fret!
There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose your leftover banana bread. Whether you’re in the mood for dessert-inspired French toast, tasty croutons, or an exciting twist on bread pudding, you won’t have to let that delicious homemade bread go to waste.
Let’s take a look at some of the tastiest ideas…
Leftover Banana Bread Recipes
Banana Bread French Toast
Give your breakfast a makeover with an easy and delicious upgrade.
Transform your leftover banana bread into a scrumptious banana bread French toast.
Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla to create a delightful custard. Dip slices of banana bread into the mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated.
On a warm griddle, cook both sides until golden brown. Serve your French toast drizzled with syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit on the side.
Banana Bread Pudding
Why let leftover banana bread go to waste?
Create a heavenly dessert with this banana bread pudding recipe.
Cube your leftover bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a baking pan. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring it’s well-soaked. Sprinkle your favourite chocolate chips or walnuts on top before baking in the oven.
Once done, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Banana Bread Biscotti
Turn your soft and moist banana bread into crunchy banana bread biscotti.
Slice your leftover bread into thin sticks and arrange them on a lined baking tray.
Bake in the oven until golden and crispy, carefully turning them halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
Meanwhile, melt your favourite chocolate to be drizzled or dipped onto the cooled biscotti. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few nuts on top for added texture!
Banana Bread Pancakes
Give your pancakes a fun twist by incorporating leftover banana bread into the batter.
Simply crumble the bread into fine pieces and mix it with milk, flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon, creating a smooth pancake batter.
Use a griddle to cook these banana bread pancakes to perfection.
When you’re ready to serve them, pile up the pancakes and top with caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful breakfast treat.
Banana Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Unleash your culinary creativity with a unique banana bread grilled cheese sandwich.
Make a sandwich by placing slices of your favourite cheese, such as brie or cream cheese, between two slices of banana bread.
You can even add a few thin slices of apple or pear for a touch of freshness. Melt butter on a hot griddle and grill your sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is oozing.
For the ultimate indulgence, check out this banana bread, brie, and chocolate grilled cheese sandwich!
Banana Bread Waffle
Got a waffle maker? Transform your leftover banana bread into mouthwatering banana bread waffles.
Crumble your bread into fine pieces and mix it with a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
Pour the batter into your waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When ready to serve, dust your waffle with powdered sugar and drape it with a generous serving of maple syrup. The perfect weekend brunch awaits!
Transforming Leftover Banana Bread
Banana Bread Breakfast Casserole
Turn your leftover banana bread into a scrumptious breakfast casserole.
Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish.
Whisk together eggs, milk, and a touch of maple syrup, then pour the mixture over the cubed bread. Allow it to soak for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
If you like, you can add a layer of cream cheese in the middle of the casserole for extra creaminess.
Finally, bake it in the oven until golden and set. This warm and comforting casserole is perfect for a cosy weekend breakfast or a casual dinner with friends.
Banana Bread Smoothie
Transform your leftover banana bread into a delicious and filling snack by making a smoothie. In a blender, combine:
- A slice of banana bread
- A ripe banana
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or yoghurt
- A splash of milk
Blend until smooth and creamy, then pour into a glass and enjoy.
This banana bread smoothie is a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a dose of energy for your day.
Banana Bread Ice Cream Cake
Create a dessert masterpiece by turning your leftover banana bread into an ice cream cake.
Start by slicing the bread into 1cm thick pieces and line the bottom of a springform pan or cake tin. Spread a layer of softened ice cream over the bread.
You can choose any flavour you like; vanilla, chocolate or even more adventurous ones like salted caramel work well.
Add another layer of bread and ice cream, repeating the process, until the tin is full. Freeze the cake overnight to set.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top and garnish with your favourite sweets or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavour. Slice and serve this delightful banana bread ice cream cake for a dessert that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Banana Bread
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your leftover banana bread fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential.
First, allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing, preventing any moisture build-up.
Once cooled, wrap your banana bread in cling film or aluminium foil to protect it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odours.
Then, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container or plastic bag, ensuring it is sealed properly.
Your leftover banana bread will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the fridge.
Reheating Tips and Tricks
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover banana bread for breakfast or a warm treat, follow these simple reheating tips to ensure the perfect texture and taste:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the bread from its wrapping, and place it on an oven-safe dish. Cover the banana bread loosely with aluminium foil, to prevent it from drying out. Heat the bread in the preheated oven for around 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the desired slice of banana bread on a microwave-safe plate. You may want to sprinkle a few drops of water onto the bread, or place a damp paper towel over it, to keep it moist. Heat the bread in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, depending on its size and your microwave’s power.
For an extra touch of flavour, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your warmed banana bread slice.
This will enhance the aroma and taste, making your leftover banana bread even more delightful than before!
