Easy Banana Mandazi Recipe

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to use up your overripe bananas? This easy banana mandazi recipe is one of the best ways to transform ripe bananas into a sweet, soft, and flavorful treat.

Perfect as a breakfast snack or an afternoon delight, this easy mandazi recipe is ideal for home cooks looking for simple banana mandazi ideas using everyday ingredients.

If you’ve ever stared at a bunch of speckled bananas wondering what to do with them, you’re not alone.

Overripe bananas can seem like waste—but in reality, they are packed with natural sweetness and flavor that make them ideal for baking and frying.

This easy banana mandazi recipe turns something that might have ended up in the compost into a delightful, golden snack the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

Coming up with this recipe was perhaps one of the best innovations I made when I was wondering what to do with my overripe bananas.

Mandazi, often referred to as African doughnuts, are a popular fried bread snack enjoyed across East Africa.

Adding bananas to the mix elevates the flavor and makes the texture even softer. Whether you’re familiar with mandazi or trying it for the first time, this banana twist will become a favorite.

This recipe is part of our growing collection of overripe banana recipes that you can enjoy with your family and guests. Let’s get started making this easy banana mandazi recipe!

Easy Banana Mandazi Recipe – Soft & Sweet

Learn how to make banana mandazi with overripe bananas using this easy, soft, sweet, and fluffy recipe. Perfect for reducing waste and enhancing hospitality with simple ingredients. Plus, don't miss the short video tutorial at the end of this post for extra guidance.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 30

Total Time 1 10

Course Breakfast, Snack, Tea-time treat

Cuisine East African, kenyan

Servings 10

Equipment

2 mixing bowls
1 Wooden Spoon
1 masher or fork
1 Rolling Pin
1 frying pan/ deep fryer
A cookie cutter, bread knife with a very thin edge, or rim of a glass to form the mandazi shapes
1 Kitchen towel
1 Slotted Spoon
Measuring cups and spoons as needed

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar or as preferred
5 tsps. baking powder
½ tsp. salt

Wet Ingredients

4 large ripe bananas, preferably overripe
1 egg
1 tbsp. marge/ butter
A little milk (or water) if needed
Cooking oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix thoroughly. These are the base ingredients for most simple banana mandazi or Kenyan banana mandazi recipes.
Add the Butter
Rub in the margarine or butter using the tips of your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This helps the dough develop a soft, tender texture.
Mash the Overripe Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe/ overripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Overripe bananas work perfectly here because they mash easily and add natural sweetness to the dough.
This is one of our favorite ripe banana breakfast ideas that’s frugal and flavorful.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the egg to the mashed bananas and mix well.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Begin by mixing with a wooden spoon. Once the dough becomes thick, knead it with your hands.
If needed, gradually add milk or water, a little at a time, to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Because mashed bananas already has moisture, you may not need much liquid. Use about1/2 cup, adjusting slightly as needed. This technique is key in every easy banana mandazi recipe approach.
Keep in mind though that if your bananas are really large, you may not even need the liquid.
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. Resting helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll and cut. It also enhances the texture of the banana mandazi recipe dough.
Knead and Roll
Transfer the rested dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thickness. Avoid rolling too thick, as banana mandazi tends to cook quickly and could remain raw inside if too thick.
Cut Into Shapes
Cut the rolled-out dough into triangles, rectangles, or even circles using a knife or cookie cutter. Triangular pieces are traditional and easy to fry evenly.
Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan, heat cooking oil on medium heat.
Use a test piece to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. It should turn golden on both sides without browning too quickly or absorbing too much oil.
Fry in Batches
Fry your homemade mandazi with ripe bananas in small batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Turn them immediately after placing them in the oil to prevent large air pockets.
Fry each side to a beautiful golden brown. This step ensures your easy banana mandazi recipe method yields perfectly golden treats.
Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the mandazis to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Serve warm or cooled with your favorite beverage.

Video

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Enjoy Your Soft and Sweet Banana Mandazi

These soft mandazi are fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, with a subtle banana flavor that’s both comforting and delicious. We enjoyed every bite, and we’re sure you will too.

They’re perfect served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or offering a snack to your guests, this is one of the best overripe banana recipes to try.

If you’re wondering how to make mandazi with bananas or looking for creative ripe banana breakfast ideas, this recipe is a perfect match. It’s simple, frugal, and made with pantry staples—just what you need to enhance your hospitality.

You’ll love how this easy banana mandazi recipe process creates delicious results every time.

More Ways to Use Overripe Bananas

Don’t throw away those soft bananas! Here are other recipes you might enjoy:

You can also explore our video tutorials over on YouTube for more frugal banana recipes that reduce waste and nourish your family. You can find that playlist here.

This method is not just simple—it’s one of the most reliable easy banana mandazi recipe guides you’ll find.

Thank you for being here! I hope this easy banana mandazi recipe brings joy to your kitchen and helps you practice warm, God-honoring hospitality.

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Enhance your hospitality for the glory of God.