The closest alternatives to Banana are Applesauce, Plantain, Avocado, Canned Pumpkin, and Mashed Sweet Potato.
It has a smooth texture and sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
For cooking, Plantain also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Ever bitten into a banana bread or smoothie only to wish you could switch up the flavor?
We've been there too. Bananas are a staple in lots of recipes, but sometimes you just need a change.
Maybe you ran out, or perhaps you're not a fan. No problem.
We've scoured kitchens and recipe books to bring you the top five banana substitutes that keep your treats tasty and your cooking creative.
From baking to blending, these alternatives will keep the magic in your meals without missing a beat. Ready to mix things up?
The 5 Best Substitutes for Banana
If you're looking for a banana substitute, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from - and for non-banana binding swaps, eggs in meatballs substitute ideas can inspire similar swaps in savory recipes.
Here are five of the best alternatives that can be used in place of bananas in recipes and other uses:
1 - Applesauce
Applesauce is a versatile pantry staple that can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
It has a smooth texture and sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
Banana is a common substitution for applesauce in recipes, but they can also be used as a replacement for oil or butter - or explore applesauce swap suggestions for baking when applesauce is the one being replaced.
When substituting applesauce for banana, use an equal amount and add a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg to improve the flavor.
Applesauce can also be used as a binding agent in flax eggs or as a natural sweetener in baked goods.
So don't be afraid to experiment with this flexible ingredient.
2 - Plantain
Plantains are a type of banana that is often used in cooking.
Unlike sweet bananas, plantains are starchy and have a bland taste.
When cooked, they take on a firm texture that is similar to potatoes.
Plantains can be used as a substitution for bananas in many recipes.
For example, they can be fried and used as a side dish or mashed and used in place of potatoes - see plantain chips side dish pairings for ideas on serving fried plantains.
When substituting plantains for bananas, it is important to keep in mind that they will not add sweetness to the dish.
As a result, you may need to add additional sweeteners such as sugar or honey.
3 - Avocado
The avocado is a unique fruit.
It has a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor that sets it apart from other fruits.
In addition, avocados are very versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
For example, they can be used as a replacement for bananas in smoothies or as a topping for burgers and tacos - and for recipes that call for avocado oil instead, see avocado oil swap options for cooking.
When substituting avocado for banana, it is important to keep the ratio of other ingredients the same.
For instance, if a recipe calls for one cup of banana, you would use one cup of avocado.
Avocados are also higher in fat than bananas, so they will make your smoothie or dish richer.
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to bananas, avocado is a great option.
4 - Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is often used in baking recipes as a healthier alternative to oil or butter.
It is also a great way to add extra moisture and fiber to baked goods.
I love the taste and texture of canned pumpkins.
It has a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with sweet or savory spices.
When substituting canned pumpkin for banana in a recipe, I find that it helps to add a little bit of extra moisture to the batter - for other options, consult pumpkin substitute recommendations for baking.
This is especially important if you are using whole wheat flour or oats in your recipe.
Just be sure to reduce the amount of liquid called for in the recipe by about half.
Otherwise, your baked goods may be too moist.
5 - Mashed Sweet Potato
Mashed sweet potato is a smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet alternative to the mashed banana.
It has a similar texture to mashed banana, but it is not as starchy.
Instead, mashed sweet potato has a light and fluffy texture.
The taste of mashed sweet potato is also slightly different from mashed banana.
Mashed sweet potato is less sweet than a mashed banana, and it has a slightly earthy flavor.
To substitute mashed sweet potato for banana in a recipe, simply use a 1:1 ratio.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of mashed banana, use 1 cup of mashed Sweet Potato instead.
Tropical swaps work well in many recipes. banana leaf substitute options for cooking covers leaf alternatives. baking soda swaps for banana bread helps when adjusting leavening in banana bakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applesauce, Plantain, Avocado, Canned Pumpkin, and Mashed Sweet Potato. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Banana.
Yes, and the results are often hard to tell apart. Applesauce is the go-to replacement.
For variety, Plantain adds its own twist to the dish.
Sometimes. Blending two partial substitutes - one for flavor and one for texture - gets closer to the original.
This works best when neither alone fully replicates what you need.
Not always. Some substitutes are processed or have a strong raw flavor that disappears with heat.
Check whether the original is typically used raw before assuming the substitute will work the same way.