Dried banana chips are more than just a snack for lunchboxes or on-the-go energy. In the world of baking, these golden, crunchy slices can be transformed into a versatile ingredient that adds sweetness, texture, and a unique depth of flavour. If you’ve ever wondered how to use dried banana chips in baking, this guide will walk you through practical ideas, methods, and recipes tailored for UK home bakers.
Why Choose Dried Banana Chips for Baking?
Banana chips are naturally sweet, lightly caramelised, and packed with flavour. Unlike fresh bananas, they’re shelf-stable and won’t brown or spoil, making them an excellent pantry staple for frequent bakers. Their firm texture means they can be used in a variety of ways—blended, crushed, or folded whole into batters—offering versatility across both sweet and savoury recipes.
Some key benefits of using dried banana chips in baking include:
-
Convenience: Long shelf life compared to fresh bananas.
-
Texture: Adds a crunchy bite to baked goods.
-
Flavour: Enhances recipes with a natural, fruity sweetness.
-
Versatility: Works in breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, and even toppings.
Preparing Banana Chips for Baking
How you prepare your banana chips before adding them to a recipe can affect the final result. Here are some easy techniques:
-
Crushed Banana Chips
Place the chips in a food processor or a resealable bag, then crush with a rolling pin. Crushed chips can be used like nuts or oats—perfect for cookie doughs, crumble toppings, or biscuit bases. -
Banana Chip Flour
For a finer texture, blend the chips into a powder. This can replace a small portion of flour in recipes, adding a subtle banana flavour. Use no more than ¼ cup of banana chip flour in most bakes to avoid changing the texture too much. -
Whole or Chopped Chips
For a chunkier bite, roughly chop the chips and fold them into batters. They’re great in muffins, brownies, or granola bars for added crunch.
Ways to Use Dried Banana Chips in Baking
1. Banana Chip Cookies
Swap chocolate chips for chopped banana chips, or mix them together for a fruity-chocolate twist. The chips add crunch while complementing the sweetness of the dough.
2. Banana Chip Muffins
Stir crushed banana chips into muffin batter to create texture. You can also sprinkle a few crushed chips on top before baking to create a crunchy topping.
3. Cakes with a Crunch
Whether you’re baking a sponge, loaf, or bundt cake, banana chips make a lovely addition. Use crushed chips as a decorative topping or fold chopped pieces into the batter for subtle flavour bursts.
4. Breads and Loaves
Banana bread is a classic, but dried banana chips can elevate it further. Fold crushed chips into the batter for extra crunch, or press whole chips onto the top before baking for a rustic finish.
5. Brownies and Bars
Mix crushed banana chips into brownies, flapjacks, or granola bars. They add a chewy-crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate, oats, and nuts.
6. Pie and Tart Bases
Instead of only using biscuits or oats, add finely crushed banana chips to pie crusts. The natural sweetness and hint of caramelised banana enhance desserts like chocolate tart or cheesecake.
7. Decorative Garnishes
Banana chips can also be used as decoration. Dip whole chips in chocolate, then place them on top of cupcakes or traybakes for a professional-looking finish.
Tips for Best Results
-
Balance the Sweetness: Banana chips are often sweetened, so reduce sugar slightly in your recipe if needed.
-
Pair with Complementary Flavours: They work beautifully with chocolate, nuts, coconut, cinnamon, and honey.
-
Mind the Crunch Factor: If you want to soften the chips slightly, soak chopped pieces in warm milk or water for a few minutes before baking.
-
Use Sparingly in Dense Batters: For recipes like brownies, avoid adding too many chips, as they can disrupt the texture.
Storing and Buying Banana Chips
For baking, it’s best to use unsweetened dried banana chips if you can find them. Many UK supermarkets and health food shops carry them, often in the dried fruit aisle. If only sweetened versions are available, just adjust your recipe’s sugar content.
Once opened, store banana chips in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and crunch. Properly stored, they can last several months, making them a handy staple for spur-of-the-moment baking projects.
Final Thoughts
Dried banana chips are often overlooked in baking, but their versatility and unique flavour make them a worthy addition to your pantry. Whether you’re crushing them into a flour substitute, folding them into muffins, or sprinkling them over cakes, banana chips offer an exciting twist on traditional recipes.
Next time you’re in the baking aisle, consider picking up a pack of dried banana chips. With just a little creativity, you can transform everyday bakes into something with extra crunch, sweetness, and flair.