Description
This moist and flavorful banana bread is inspired by the popular Starbucks classic. Packed with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, it’s the perfect quick-bake for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. This foolproof recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and delivers consistent, bakery-style results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1 1/8 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 extra-ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease an 8×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and, if desired, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon just until combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It will look thick and slightly dry, which is completely normal.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until everything is well incorporated. Do not overmix—lumps of banana are fine.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with chopped walnuts if using.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan on the center oven rack and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Start checking at 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- If using a larger loaf pan (like 9×5), reduce baking time slightly and begin checking for doneness at 55 minutes. You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with ½ cup milk—let it sit for 5 minutes before using. For added flavor, stir in chocolate chips or swap walnuts for pecans. This bread freezes beautifully—wrap tightly in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 443 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 241mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 23mg