Have you ever found yourself with a bunch of overripe bananas and no idea what to do with them? Rather than throwing them out, why not turn them into a delicious, healthy treat? With just four simple ingredients, you can make your very own natural banana candy! This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any artificial additives, and it’s a great way to repurpose bananas that are a little past their prime. Plus, it’s a fun and creative activity to do with the kids or for a simple snack when you’re craving something sweet.
Ingredients:
- 3 overripe bananas (the more spots, the better)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Peel your overripe bananas and place them in a mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are fine—just make sure the consistency is mostly smooth.
- Add in the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt if using. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. The sweetener will balance the bananas’ natural sugars and add a lovely richness to the candy.
- Transfer the banana mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly into a thin layer, making sure it’s about ¼ inch thick. You can use a spatula to smooth it out and ensure it’s uniform.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. Check halfway through and, if needed, adjust the temperature slightly to avoid burning. The goal is to slowly dry out the banana mixture while retaining its natural sweetness.
- After 2 hours, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes. As it cools, the banana candy will firm up and become more chewy.
- Once cooled, slice the banana candy into bite-sized pieces or roll them into small balls for fun shapes. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Enjoy your all-natural banana candy! This simple recipe proves that sometimes, the best treats come from the most unexpected ingredients. Whether you’re indulging on your own or sharing with friends, these banana candies are the perfect balance of natural sweetness and flavor—guilt-free and absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts: Making your own banana candy is not only a fun way to avoid food waste, but it’s also a healthy alternative to store-bought sweets. The natural sugars in the bananas shine through, and the touch of vanilla and honey gives the candy a comforting flavor. This recipe is highly customizable too—you can add a dash of cinnamon, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top, or even add coconut flakes for extra texture. It’s an easy, rewarding treat that you’ll want to make again and again!