Don’t mention banana bread. Try these five far more interesting recipes instead

It’s National Banana Day, and in celebration of this most versatile of fruits, here are five fabulous recipes that showcase their strengths - and none of them are banana bread.

Irish Times magazine columnist Aoife Noonan elevates the ubiquitous cake - because let's face it that's what it is, rather than bread - with this sweet, toffee and banana flavoured confection spiked with rum.

A good excuse to head out to Aldi on Sunday to buy a bottle of new release Salvado Panamanian anejo gold rum from Blackwater Distillery. It is aged in bourbon casks and the flavour palate has “hints sof vanilla, molasses and caramel.”

[ Recipe: Caramelised banana and rum cake ]

Vanessa Greenwood’s banoffee muffins are a more family-friendly take on that classic combination of banana and toffee. Topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and a slice of banana, these are an indulgent treat.

Paul Flynn: Relaxed dinner that reflects my soft spot for the spice bag

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Croissants

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Pork with ’nduja and pineapple salsa is a classic pairing with a spicy twist

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[ Recipe: Banoffee muffins ]

Also firmly in the occasional treat category is Donal Skehan’s Elvis sandwich, a peanut butter, banana and bacon combo the singer was apparently very fond of.

[ Recipe: The Elvis toasted sandwich ]

More restraint in using bananas is shown by Domini Kemp, whose banana and coconut pancakes with blueberries is a perfect brunch option.

[ Recipe: Banana, coconut and blueberry pancakes ]

For another healthy, morning time option try these breakfast muffins that have chia seeds in the mixture.

[ Recipe: Banana chia muffins ]