It’s the banana question on everyone’s mind, how many bananas equal one cup?
There could be various reasons why you may need to measure out one cup of bananas (more on this in a moment).
And obviously, you want to get the quantity correct.
But, what may be one cup to one person will be completely different to another.
Surely, there’s a simple way to do cup math?
As it turns out, there is, and I shall reveal all now.
The number of bananas that are equal to one cup will obviously depend on the individual banana’s size. The average-sized banana would be the equivalent of ¾ of a cup. A small-sized banana, say one that is less than 6 inches in length would be approximately ½ a cup. So, a large-sized banana, typically 8-9 inches long, is equal to one cup.
1. What Exactly is “One Cup” Anyway?
It has to be one of the most frustrating and annoying forms of measurement ever.
How many times have you heard the phrase, “measure out one cup”?
And every time you hear those few words, it drives you up the wall.
I mean, what the hell is one cup anyway?
Can’t you just give me an exact amount?
Well, as it turns out, one cup could have a variety of meanings, depending on what you’re measuring out and even exactly where you are in the world.
Okay, let’s simplify things.
One cup as a US measurement when it comes to liquid is 8.32674 fluid ounces.
This is the equivalent of 16 tablespoons.
However, when it comes to solids, one cup is said to be 200 grams, which is 7.05479 ounces.
So, when it comes to measuring out one cup of bananas, you’re looking at 200 grams worth.
2. Why Would You Need One Cup of Bananas?
As I’ve mentioned, there could be a variety of reasons that you require one cup of bananas.
The most obvious would be for a recipe.
You’ll want to measure out the right amount of bananas for the perfect milkshake or smoothie.
Then again, you may use bananas as a topping for cheesecake, pancakes, or indulgent pudding.
You may even be on a specific nutrition plan or a weight-loss diet that requires you to only eat a cup or ½ a cup of bananas per day.
It’s important to remember that bananas are high in carbohydrates and sugar content.
This means that if you are watching your weight, it may not be feasible to eat a whole banana in one sitting.
And, of course, let’s not forget that you may need to use bananas for banana cookies, banana pancakes, or the ever-popular banana bread.
With that being said, most of these recipes will require a cup measurement of mashed bananas.
Unfortunately, this changes everything.
Oh yes, one cup of bananas and one cup of mashed bananas are completely different (other than the fact that they both contain bananas).
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
3. How Many Bananas Make One Cup (Mashed)?
Clearly, the volume of mashed banana is far less than a banana that has been sliced, cubed, or simply broken off in pieces.
So, how much exactly is one cup of bananas if a recipe calls for mashed bananas?
Realistically, you need to double the amount of “normal” bananas to get the same measurement of mashed bananas.
Therefore, looking at different-sized banana measurements from earlier would give us the following:
- 4 small-sized bananas mashed would be equal to one cup.
- 2 large-sized bananas mashed would be equal to one cup.
- 3 average-sized bananas mashed would be equal to one cup.
You’ll notice that mashed bananas clearly don’t take up as much cup space; therefore, this is calculated on approximate net weight.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it.
One of the greatest mysteries of the 21st century solved.
How Many Bananas Equal One Cup?
As you can clearly see, there isn’t a completely straightforward answer (no, of course, there isn’t).
The one-cup measurement depends on the size of the banana you’re using, as well as whether you’re using whole banana or mashed.
So, to keep things simple:
One large banana is equal to a cup, whereas 3 average-sized bananas are the equivalent of one cup of mashed bananas.
Sorted.
So, now you know how to correctly measure your ingredients, you can move on to the next problem of wondering why your banana bread has no flavor!