Using overripe fruit in baking can be a great way to use up ingredients that would have otherwise gone to waste. And when we’re living in such difficult times financially with everything going on in the world, reducing waste and getting the most out of our money is a top priority for most households. The additional sugar and moisture that overripe fruit contains adds fantastic flavor and texture to baked goods, with some fruits (such as bananas) being chosen specifically when they’re overripe because the natural sugars and sweetness increases. This is perfect for making delicious bakes without adding refined sugars, so works out better for our health too. Here are a few ideas for using overripe fruit in baking.
Banana Bread
This is the obvious recipe that most people will think about when it comes to overripe fruit. Overripe bananas are perfect for making banana bread as they’re sweeter and more flavorful than ripe bananas, and they also add moisture to the bread. Get yourself a good loaf tin and some loaf liners and you can whip up the perfect homemade treat whenever you find that your bananas are looking a bit spotty. If you prefer smaller bites, these banana cupcakes from Preppy Kitchen are another option- perfect with an afternoon cup of tea!
Berry Muffins
Berries such as strawberries and blueberries have such a short shelf life. Even with the best of intentions of eating them right away, chances are you’ll find yourself with overripe berries every now and again. If they’re starting to feel a little squishy, act quickly before the mold sets in and add to delicious berry muffins.
Fruit Crisp
Use a mixture of overripe fruits, such as apples, peaches, or plums, to make a delicious fruit crisp. This can be eaten warm with custard as a dessert, with yogurt or cereal for a tasty breakfast. Lots of cinnamon and mixed spice compliments it perfectly!
Smoothies
An easy option if you don’t fancy doing any baking, fruits that are too soft or overripe to eat, can be blended in smoothies. Combine with some yogurt and oats for a filling breakfast, or add a frozen banana to your overripe berries and stone fruit mixture for a refreshing drink or snack any time of day
Jam and Jelly
Overripe fruits make great jam and jelly. Overripe fruit has more natural pectin, which makes it easier to thicken jam and jelly without adding commercial pectin. If you’ve been berry picking and found yourself with a surplus, this is a great way to use it up as jam tends to require quite a lot of fruit.
Be aware that some overripe fruits may be too mushy to use in baking. In this case, it can be better to puree the fruit instead and use it in your recipe. That way you can control the moisture level and won’t end up with soggy bakes! Anything with mold needs to be thrown away, so check your overripe fruit carefully before using it in baking.
How do you like to use up overripe fruit?
Written by Contributing Author
More From This Category
4 Easy Meals To Help You Improve Your Cooking Skills
How would you rate your cooking skills out of 10? Are you more of a kitchen nightmare than a MasterChef? Or do you simply lack inspiration, not skills, to create delicious meals that get your taste buds in a frenzy? Cooking isn't a skill that comes naturally to...
4 Easy Meals To Help You Improve Your Cooking Skills
How would you rate your cooking skills out of 10? Are you more of a kitchen nightmare than a MasterChef? Or do you simply lack inspiration, not skills, to create delicious meals that get your taste buds in a frenzy? Cooking isn't a skill that comes naturally to...
4 Easy Meals To Help You Improve Your Cooking Skills
How would you rate your cooking skills out of 10? Are you more of a kitchen nightmare than a MasterChef? Or do you simply lack inspiration, not skills, to create delicious meals that get your taste buds in a frenzy? Cooking isn't a skill that comes naturally to...
0 Comments
Pin This Post!
0 Comments