Bananas are one of the most beloved and versatile fruits in the world — sweet, naturally creamy, and available year-round. Their subtle flavor and soft texture make them a perfect ingredient for a wide variety of desserts, from comforting classics to modern masterpieces. In this article, we present our 7 best banana desserts of all time, each carefully selected for its taste, texture, appeal, and 100% vegetarian preparation — no eggs or non-veg ingredients used.
Whether you’re looking for something indulgent, nostalgic, healthy, or celebratory, these banana desserts showcase the fruit at its very best.
1. Classic Eggless Banana Bread
Why it’s a favorite:
Banana bread is the go-to dessert for overripe bananas. Moist, fragrant, and lightly sweet, this eggless version is just as satisfying as the original, if not more so.
Key Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- Baking soda/powder
- Neutral oil or melted butter
- Brown sugar or jaggery
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: chopped walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips
Preparation Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas — the blacker the peel, the better the flavor and moisture.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining gently.
- Do not overmix; it makes the bread dense.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice and serve warm with a pat of butter or nut butter. It also tastes great toasted the next day.
2. Banana Kheer (Indian Banana Rice Pudding)
Why it’s unique:
Kheer (or payasam) is a traditional Indian dessert usually made with rice and milk. This version uses bananas for natural sweetness and a tropical twist.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat milk or plant-based milk (like coconut or almond)
- Cooked rice or vermicelli
- Mashed ripe bananas
- Cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts and raisins
- Jaggery or sugar
Preparation Tips:
- Gently simmer milk and rice/vermicelli until thickened.
- Stir in mashed bananas at the end for maximum flavor.
- Add cardamom, roasted cashews, and raisins to finish.
Serving Ideas:
Serve warm or chilled. It’s a festive treat and can also be made vegan by using almond or coconut milk.
3. No-Bake Banana Cream Pie (Eggless)
Why it stands out:
Creamy, rich, and layered with fresh bananas and vanilla pudding — this no-bake dessert is as indulgent as it is easy.
Crust:
- Crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- Melted butter or coconut oil
Filling:
- Sliced bananas
- Eggless vanilla custard or pudding (made with cornstarch, milk, and sugar)
- Whipped cream (dairy or coconut-based)
Assembly:
- Press crust into a pie dish and chill.
- Layer bananas and pour over warm vanilla custard.
- Chill until set. Top with whipped cream and extra banana slices before serving.
Tips:
- Use lemon juice to prevent bananas from browning.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent finish.
4. Banana Halwa (South Indian Style)
Why it’s special:
Banana halwa is a rich, traditional dessert made by slow-cooking bananas with ghee, sugar, and cardamom. This eggless version uses ghee alternatives for a 100% vegetarian treat.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas (preferably Nendran or robusta variety)
- Jaggery or sugar
- Ghee or plant-based butter
- Cardamom powder
- Cashews
Preparation:
- Mash bananas and cook in a heavy pan with ghee until glossy.
- Add jaggery and cook until thickened and glossy.
- Finish with cardamom and roasted cashews.
Pro Tip:
Cook on low flame and stir constantly to avoid sticking and to bring out the banana’s deep caramelized flavor.
Serving:
Cut into squares or serve warm in bowls.
5. Banana Oats Cookies (Healthy & Eggless)
Why you’ll love it:
A guilt-free treat, these cookies are wholesome, soft, and naturally sweetened. Perfect as a dessert, breakfast snack, or lunchbox item.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Cinnamon powder
- Chopped nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
- Scoop onto a baking tray and flatten slightly.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Tip:
Let them cool completely to firm up. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Why it’s one of the best:
These cookies need no refined flour, sugar, or eggs — making them one of the healthiest banana desserts out there.
6. Frozen Banana Bites (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Why it’s a game-changer:
These bite-sized, chocolate-covered banana treats are incredibly easy, low on calories, and packed with flavor.
You’ll need:
- Bananas (cut into thick slices)
- Melted dark chocolate
- Crushed nuts or shredded coconut (for topping)
- Toothpicks or skewers
Instructions:
- Dip banana slices into melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle with nuts or coconut.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
Variations:
- Add a thin layer of peanut butter before dipping in chocolate.
- Use dairy-free chocolate for a fully vegan version.
Serving Idea:
Keep a batch in the freezer for when sweet cravings hit — perfect for hot days or quick snacks.
7. Caramelized Banana Pancakes (Eggless & Fluffy)
Why it’s a brunch favorite:
These pancakes combine the goodness of bananas with the magic of caramel. Soft, golden, and topped with sticky sweetness — what’s not to love?
For the pancakes:
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- Mashed banana
- Baking powder
- Milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Sugar and vanilla
For the topping:
- Sliced bananas
- Brown sugar
- A bit of butter or oil
Cooking Tips:
- Cook pancakes on medium heat for even browning.
- For topping, heat sugar and butter until melted, add banana slices, and cook until caramelized.
Serving Suggestion:
Stack pancakes, pour caramelized bananas on top, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Why Banana Desserts Work So Well
Bananas offer a range of qualities that make them ideal for desserts:
- Natural Sweetness: They reduce the need for added sugar, especially in healthy desserts.
- Moisture Content: Their soft, creamy texture adds moisture to baked goods like bread, pancakes, and muffins.
- Nutritional Boost: High in potassium, fiber, and essential vitamins, bananas add nutritional value to indulgent treats.
- Binding Agent: Mashed bananas work as a natural egg substitute, making recipes suitable for eggless or vegan diets.
- Flavor Compatibility: They pair beautifully with chocolate, vanilla, nuts, caramel, and tropical fruits like mango or coconut.
Tips for Cooking with Bananas in Desserts
- Always use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the better the flavor. Look for peels that are spotted or nearly black.
- Mash thoroughly: For smooth batters or custards, make sure the banana is mashed well.
- Add lemon juice (if needed): It helps prevent browning in fresh banana slices or raw desserts.
- Watch moisture levels: Overripe bananas can add too much moisture — adjust flour or dry ingredients accordingly.
- Store leftovers properly: Banana-based desserts can spoil faster. Keep them refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days.
Conclusion
From humble banana bread to gourmet banana cream pies, these desserts prove just how adaptable and delicious bananas can be. Each of these 7 vegetarian banana desserts stands out for its flavor, ease of preparation, and ability to turn an everyday fruit into something truly memorable.
Whether you’re preparing your dessert for a casual family gathering, a festive dinner, or academic culinary research, banana desserts offer a satisfying combination of tradition, nutrition, and indulgence — without the need for eggs or non-veg ingredients.
Let this list serve as a celebration of the banana’s quiet brilliance. Simple, sweet, and endlessly creative — these banana desserts truly are some of the best of all time.