Baked bananas make for a simple dessert that can be served in so many different ways! The whole family will go crazy for these and they are the perfect dessert when you want something quick and easy. 

If you are looking for some new banana recipes that aren’t breads, muffins, and banana pudding, you are in the right place! This easy recipe is packed with flavor and a great way to use them up if you have some that will be overripe soon. 

While making baked bananas is super simple, this dish is also known as Akwadu. It’s actually a traditional breakfast or dessert popular in Africa. 

It also highlights the region’s use of natural, local ingredients to create meals that are both nourishing and flavorful. Bananas and plantains, staple crops in many parts of Africa, thrive in the tropical climate and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Akwadu showcases how bananas, a common and accessible fruit, can be transformed into a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

In Ghana, breakfast holds an important place in daily life, often featuring hearty and nutrient-rich foods that provide energy for the day ahead. Akwadu fits this tradition perfectly, offering a warm and satisfying option made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, peanuts, coconut, and honey.

Ingredients Needed 

• bananas – Make sure you are using ripe bananas. They have more of a natural sweetness compared to those that aren’t. 
• orange juice and lemon juice
• unsalted butter
• brown sugar
• unsweetened shredded coconut
• ground cinnamon
• Optional:  honey or use maple syrup for those on a plant-based diet.

How to Make the Baked Bananas Recipe 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

Slice the bananas and place them in a single layer in a shallow baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet. 

Pour the orange juice, lemon juice, and melted butter over top. 

Sprinkle the coconut and brown sugar to cover. Then drizzle with honey. 

Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes until toasted. 

Ways to Serve 

• With Yogurt
  Add a dollop of Greek or plain yogurt on the side for a creamy, protein-packed option.
• Over Pancakes or Waffles
  Use the baked bananas as a topping for your favorite breakfast stack, adding syrup or whipped cream.
• With Ice Cream
  Pair the warm bananas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat when the sweet tooth hits.
• On Oatmeal Top a bowl of oatmeal with baked bananas, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a tasty breakfast.

• As a Toast Topper
  Spread almond or peanut butter on toast and add sliced baked bananas for a flavorful and nutritious snack.
• In a Smoothie Bowl
  Chop the banana halves into smaller pieces and use them as a topping for a smoothie bowl with chia seeds, berries, and nuts.
• With Cream Cheese or Ricotta
  Spread cream cheese or ricotta on a slice of bread or a rice cake and add the baked bananas for a tangy sweet combo.
• Paired with Chocolate
  Drizzle melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips over the bananas for a rich option.
• In Crepes
  Fill crepes with baked bananas, Nutella, and whipped cream for a fancier idea.
• With Rice Pudding
  Serve on top of creamy rice pudding for an easy dessert.
• Rolled in Tortillas
  Wrap the baked bananas in a warm tortilla with a spread of almond butter for a handheld treat.
• With Cottage Cheese
  Add baked bananas to a bowl of cottage cheese for a high-protein snack or dessert.

How Do You Know When Bananas Are Ripe?

The banana peels are going to tell you exactly how ripe they are! Here’s a handy guide that you can refer back to. 

Yellow with a Few Brown Spots (Perfectly Ripe)

• Look: Mostly yellow peel with small brown spots.
• Feel: Firm but slightly soft when pressed.
• Taste: Sweet with no tangy flavor.
• Best For: Eating fresh, topping cereal, or adding to yogurt.

 Bright Yellow (Slightly Under-Ripe)

• Look: Solid yellow peel, no brown spots.
• Feel: Firm to the touch.
• Taste: Mildly sweet with a slight tang.
• Best For: Slicing for salads or snacks when you want less sweetness.

Mostly Brown (Overripe Bananas)

• Look: Mostly brown peel with some yellow.
• Feel: Very soft, almost mushy.
• Taste: Very sweet with a rich banana flavor.
• Best For: Baking (banana bread, muffins), smoothies, or freezing for later use.

Green (Unripe)

• Look: All green peel.
• Feel: Hard and firm.
• Taste: Starchy and not very sweet.
• Best For: Cooking (ex. frying or boiling) or storing until ripe.

Is There a Way to Ripen Bananas Fast? 

There are a few ways to speed up the process, depending on how much time you have. Here are a few different methods to try if you have underripe bananas. 

Use a Paper Bag

Place bananas in a brown paper bag with an apple, pear, or another banana. The ethylene gas released by the fruits speeds up the ripening process. Close the bag loosely and check them after 24-48 hours.

Bake Them in the Oven

Set your oven to 300 degrees, place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool before using. This is the best option if you are in a real hurry.

Use the Microwave

If the bananas are starting to ripen but need a boost, poke a few holes in the peel with a fork and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let them cool before handling.

Store Near Other Ripe Fruits

Put your bananas near ripe apples, avocados, or other bananas on the counter. The ethylene gas will help ripen them faster.

More Banana Recipes You Will Love: 

• Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
• Banana Carrot Muffins
• Buckwheat Banana Bread
• Banana Overnight Oats

Baked Bananas (Akwadu)

Baked bananas make for a simple dessert that can be served in so many different ways! The whole family will go crazy for these and they are the perfect dessert when you want something quick and easy. 

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 bananas cut into ½ inch slices
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 2 teaspoons honey

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Lay bananas in a shallow baking dish. Add orange juice, lemon juice, and butter over them.
• Sprinkle brown sugar, coconut, cinnamon, and honey on top.
• Bake for 10 minutes then broil for 2 minutes until toasted on top.
• Serve warm.

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