We go through bananas like monkeys around here. And I go through wine like a Kathy Lee and Hoda (that’s a whole different topic). When ‘naners get a little repetitious, making these healthy breakfast banana boats are the perfect way to add some flair to a portable and easy breakfast both kids and adults will love.
I buy bundles of bananas for specific needs. They aren’t just bananas to me, they are categorized and used accordingly. For example, I buy slightly bruised and browned bananas to get a head start on getting ’em extra ripe for baking. I buy the mega-long greenish ones for my husband to grab in the morning during his drive to work. And I buy those perfect middle-sized ones to make these healthy breakfast banana boats.
I came up with this idea when I was peeling that perfectly yellowed banana in preparation for dunking it in an entire jar of cashew butter. It’s my latest weakness. As I peeled off on entire side, I thought, “what if I drizzle this crack nut butter on the exposed side, and refrigerate it for later (by later I meant like 2 minutes because I was hangry). No mess, no fuss, no plain bananas ever again.
Then my mind went spinning. What other combos can I “invent” that will save breakfast forever – giving kids healthy am eats and moms a much needed relief from crazy mornings?!?! I mean let’s be real, kids love anything edible with ‘boats’ in the title, right? Just keep saying ‘healthy breakfast banana boats’ and they’ll be begging with curiosity.
And moms like an easy way to serve healthy breakfasts or snacks that doesn’t involve baking, cooking, dicing, or feeling guilty about giving up and throwing Gold Fish in those little faces (but hey, it’s better than Cheetos).
Refrigerating these boats ensures the topping chills so the next day’s noshing session is clean and easy. Using ingredients that solidify slightly once chilled is the key. Simply peel once side of the banana and leave the other side (the bottom) with the peel in tact until ready to serve.
These three healthy banana breakfast boats are more than just a fun way to eat breakfast. Every variety is packed with vitamins and nutrients to fuel you AND the kids all morning. And prepping these the night before is a breeze. Cue theme song, “The best part of waking up, is banana boats in your fridge!”
Now let’s break down the health benefits of each cute ‘lil boat:
Orange Creamsicle Boat:
- potassium & vitamin B6 (banana)
- vitamin C (orange)
- antioxidants (honey)
- medium chain saturated fatty acid (coconut cream)
Seedy Almond Butter Boat:
- potassium & vitamin B6 (banana)
- healthy monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, protein (almond butter)
- omega-3 & fiber (chia & flaxseeds)
Blueberry Spinach Boat:
- potassium & vitamin B6 (banana)
- vitamin K & antioxidants (blueberries)
- magnesium, folate, vitamin K & vitamin A (spinach)
- medium chain saturated fatty acid (coconut oil)
Phew – that’s a lot of healthy talk. Now let’s get to the good stuff. How to make (then devour)!
Healthy Breakfast Banana Boats
Orange Creamsicle Banana Boat
- 1 medium banana
- 2 teaspoons coconut cream (the thick stuff at the top of the can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon raw honey
In a small bowl, combine the coconut cream, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (melted if using solidified honey). Stir well and top exposed side of banana. Refrigerate.
Other option: Use pineapple juice and diced pineapple instead of orange.
Seedy Almond Butter Banana Boat
- 1 medium banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- sprinkle of flaxseeds and chia seeds
Spread almond butter on exposed side of the banana. Sprinkle chia seeds and flaxseeds on top. Refrigerate.
Other option: Replace almond butter with nut butter of choice. Add hemp hearts instead of flax or chia seeds.
Blueberry Spinach Banana Boat
- 1 teaspoon diced spinach leaves (about 4-5 leaves)
- 1 tablespoon frozen blueberries, thawed
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Drain any excess liquid from thawed blueberries. Using the back of a fork, mash the blueberries and add the finely chopped spinach. Microwave the coconut oil just until slightly melted and combine with the blueberry mixture (making sure the coconut oil isn’t hot). Carefully spread mixture on top of the exposed side of the banana and refrigerate.
Other option: Use frozen strawberries and finely diced kale. Or omit greens completely (however, the taste is completely hidden by the banana and berry flavors).
Are these not the most fun way to eat bananas EVER?! It’s like a big banana fiesta. These are just a few ways you customize your boat, but feel free to get creative! What are you waiting for? Get on da boat!
Need other inspiration for easy, on-the-go breakfasts? Check out hard boiled eggs 5 ways or the following yummy recipes:
flourless ‘red velvet’ beet mini muffins
paleo banana cream pie cookies
Wow these are genius Chrissa; they’re so pretty!
Thanks so much Emily!! Pretty AND tasty!