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BeeyondCereal » Kid Approved Recipes

Banana Playdough

Modified: Oct 18, 2023 · Published: May 5, 2020 By Nicole Durham
This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment · Cost $2

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This simple Edible Ripe Banana Playdough is made using 5 ingredients and is perfect for using up leftover bananas when you don't feel like baking (or simply don't have enough).

a ball of banana playdoh with ripe bananas in background.

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We are huge banana eaters in this house- I'm pretty sure my kids are part monkey. So there are ALWAYS a few ripe bananas to use up. So we always have some fresh Eggless Banana Bread, Oreo Banana Bread, or Pumpkin Banana Bread on the counter.

While banana bread and ripe banana recipes are great, sometimes you either A) don't have enough time or ingredients to bake something or B) nothing bakable sounds good.

Ripe banana playdough means that we can use up that half banana my toddler didn't eat or that 1 lonesome spotted banana on the counter. (We call spotted bananas, giraffe bananas).

For more homemade playdough recipes, be sure to check out our Coffee Playdough Recipe and No Cook Pumpkin Playdough.

Jump to:
  • 💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • 🛒 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions for Ripe Banana Playdough
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
  • ❄️ Storage
  • ❓ Playdough FAQs
  • 🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
  • 💬 Comments

💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe

  1. It's easy. Just mix a few ingredients together, and it's done. Ready to be used within moments. How cool is that?
  2. No cooking is required. This playdough recipe is no cook. Just grab a bowl and a fork. Perfect for hot days, lazy days, and every day in between.
  3. Safe ingredients. Everything about this play dough is edible, and while it may not taste great, parents can feel more confident in knowing it's safe.

🛒 Ingredients

ingredients for ripe banana playdough.

Disclaimer: While this recipe is made using edible ingredients found within your home, I do not recommend purposefully feeding your child this product. If they choose to take a lick or small taste they should be just fine, but this product is meant to be something to play with and not to eat. Thanks!

Flour- The base of this recipe is all purpose flour. This is what gives the playdough that great playdough feeling.

Oil- Adding in some vegetable oil will moisten the play dough and make it more pliable.

Banana- You'll only need half of a banana to give this playdough a banana aroma. Double the recipe to use the full banana, or enjoy half a banana as a snack!

See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

🥄 Instructions for Ripe Banana Playdough

Step 1: In a bowl, mash your ripe banana.

ripe banana in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add in the water and oil and mix.

banana and oil in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add in the flour and cornstarch.

dry ingredients added to mixing bowl of oil and ripe banana.

Step 4: Mix with a fork until the ingredients come together to form a ball.

shaggy looking dough in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Knead the ball, in the bowl or on the counter until it comes together to create a playdough-like consistency. This takes roughly 5 minutes but could be faster if you're quick.

shaggy banana dough on a floured surface.

The texture when you're done should be soft, fluffy, almost dough-like and a little oily. This is fine, and the kids love it!

a ball of ripe banana playdough with a bunch of ripe bananas in background.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

  1. Kneading Technique: When working with banana play dough, approach the kneading process akin to kneading yeast bread.
  2. Enhancing Texture: Kneading thoroughly aids in breaking down banana chunks, transforming the mixture from a thick banana bread batter to a smooth playdough consistency. This step contributes to the overall texture and moldability of the dough.

❄️ Storage

Storage: Keep your playdough when not in use, stored inside of an airtight container or zipper topped bag in the fridge. It might take a few minutes of play or sitting out to warm up and become pliable, but it keeps it fresh.

❓ Playdough FAQs

What kind of oil do I need to use?

You can use any type of cooking oil. Canola cooking oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, etc. Whatever you have on hand is fine!

How long is banana playdough good for?

Because it uses a ripe banana I wouldn't keep it on hand for more than 2 days. It's more of a make it and play with it right away type of playdough so unfortunately, the shelf life is short.

Can this play dough be made with gluten free flour?

I don't see why not! Gluten free flour would be a great idea for those with wheat allergies!

three balls of banana playdough stacked like a small snowman.

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🐝 If you tried this Ripe Banana Playdough, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!

three balls of banana playdough stacked like a small snowman.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Banana Playdough

A super fun sensory playdough made using a real ripe banana! The smells, the textures and the feel are so much fun for kids of any age.
Makes: 1
Cost $2

Equipment

  • Measuring Cups
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  • ½ Ripe Banana, Mashed ¼ cup)
  • ½ cup Water
  • ½ cup Cooking Oil coconut, veg, canola, etc.
  • 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Cornstarch
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mash your ripe banana.
  • Add in the water and oil and mix.
  • Add in the flour and cornstarch. Mix with a fork until the ingredients come together to form a ball.
  • Knead the ball, in the bowl or on the counter until it comes together to create a playdough-like consistency. This takes roughly 5 minutes but could be faster if you're quick.
  • The texture when you're done should be soft, fluffy, almost dough-like and a little oily. This is fine, and the kids love it!

Notes

When kneading the playdough, aim for a similar technique to kneading yeast bread. This helps break down the banana chunks and transforms the mixture from a thick banana bread batter to a playdough consistency.
Choice of Oil: You can use any type of cooking oil, such as canola, coconut, or vegetable oil.
Shelf Life: Due to the use of a ripe banana, it's recommended to use the playdough within two days. It's best enjoyed as a "make it and play with it right away" type of activity.
Gluten-Free Option: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to accommodate those with wheat allergies.
How to Store Banana Playdough:
  • Store the playdough in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator when not in use. Although it may require a few minutes to warm up and become pliable again after refrigeration, this helps keep it fresh.
Author Nicole Durham
Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal

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About the Author

Nicole Durham

Nicole is the frugal foodie behind Beeyond Cereal. Based in Michigan, she shares budget-friendly recipes, homemade pantry staples, and practical tips to help families stretch every grocery dollar. When she’s not developing recipes, Nicole enjoys crocheting, thrifting, and spending time with her two kids, always with a cup of coffee close by.

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A photo of Nicole from Beeyond Cereal

Hey, I'm Nicole

The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

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