How many bananas does it really take to make 1 cup of mashed bananas?
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If you like baking sweet banana treats then you’ve probably come across a recipe or two that calls for 1 cup of mashed bananas, instead of just listing the specific number of bananas you need to buy. But how many bananas does it really take to make 1 cup of mashed bananas?
Many sources point to 1 banana = ⅓ cup of mashed bananas, and 3 bananas = 1 full cup mashed. Now to me, a baker of over 10 years, it seems that bananas are now much larger and in my own baking experience and testing, I only need to use 1 or 2 medium-size bananas (about 7-8 inch long) to get 1 full cup of mashed bananas. Here’s what I have personally found in my own baking experiments:
How Many Bananas are in 1 Cup of Mashed Bananas?
In my own personal banana baking experiments and testing, here’s what I concluded:
One medium-size banana (about 7-8 inch long) makes:
- About ¾ cup – banana slices
- About ½ cup – mashed bananas
2 medium-size bananas (about 7-8 inch long) make:
- About 1 full cup – mashed bananas
- About 1 ½ cups – sliced bananas
Check out my chart below for banana specifics:
| nt_header_0 | Number of bananas | Cups of mashed bananas | Cups of sliced banans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/2 | 3/4 | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 1/2 | |
| 3 | 1 1/2 | 2 1/4 | |
| 4 | 2 | $3 | |
| 5 | 2 1/2 | 3 3/4 | |
| 6 | 3 | 4 1/2 |
How to Mash Bananas with a Potato Masher
Looking for a super easy method to use for mashing those bananas? Using the potato masher method is my personal favorite way to quickly and easily mash bananas! Here’s what I use and how I do it:
Equipment:
Ingredients:
How to Mash Bananas with a Potato Masher:
- First, gather the tools and banana(s).
- Slice the overripe banana into large chunks and place inside a glass mixing bowl.
- Mash the banana by using the potato masher to press the banana against the bowl walls.
- Continue this process until the entire banana is mushed to the desired consistency.
- Finally, the mashed banana is ready to use in a recipe!
For other easy ways to mash bananas, check out my 3 Ways to Mash Bananas.
Storing Mashed Bananas
To store mashed bananas: transfer the mashed bananas to an airtight container and secure plastic food wrap tightly to the surface of the bananas. They can be stored like this in the fridge for 2-3 days. To freeze mashed bananas: transfer the bananas to an airtight ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Always label the date on the outside of the container to keep up with freshness.
Comforting Banana Recipes
Looking for some yummy comfort food inspiration? Bananas make some of the best comfort food recipes out there! Here are some of my personal favorite flavorful banana recipes for you to try:
More Baking Hacks
Great info. I thank you for the visual and written instructions. Most recipes are so vague on quantity to use and I ve ended up with some messes .
Thanks again