Starbucks Banana Bread is a beloved treat that has gained a loyal following due to its moist texture, rich flavor, and perfect balance of sweetness. Served in Starbucks cafes around the world, this banana bread has become a go-to snack for coffee lovers looking for a delicious accompaniment to their beverages. The good news? You don’t need to leave home to enjoy this tasty treat! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the Starbucks Banana Bread in your own kitchen. Not only will it fill your home with a comforting, warm aroma, but making it yourself also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, homemade version of this fan-favorite. Whether you’re a banana bread enthusiast or a Starbucks aficionado, this recipe is definitely worth trying!
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for Starbucks Banana Bread
To make a delicious loaf of Starbucks-inspired banana bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Overripe Bananas (3-4 medium bananas)
- The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread is using bananas that are overripe. Look for bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more aromatic, giving the bread a natural sweetness and a rich texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
- Softened butter helps create a tender crumb. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
- This adds sweetness and helps achieve the right texture. You can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- Brown sugar provides a richer, deeper flavor with a slight molasses undertone, which is characteristic of Starbucks Banana Bread.
- Large Eggs (2)
- Eggs provide structure and moisture to the banana bread, helping bind the ingredients together for a smooth batter.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a lovely, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Baking soda acts as a leavening agent to help the banana bread rise. It ensures the bread has a light, fluffy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups)
- All-purpose flour is the base of the banana bread. It provides structure and helps create the perfect texture. Be sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dense loaf.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the bread.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Walnuts (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bananas. You can also use pecans or any other nuts of your choice.
- Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): For an indulgent twist, you can add chocolate chips to the batter. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best.
These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a delicious banana bread that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet—just like the one you love from Starbucks!
Directions for Starbucks Banana Bread
1. Prepare Your Bananas
- Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, with only a few small chunks remaining. Overripe bananas will mash easily, making this step quick and simple. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the banana bread once it’s baked.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and light in texture—about 2 minutes.
- This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, ensuring your banana bread has a light and tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
- Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, avoiding any lumps or uneven rising.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Do not overmix, as this could lead to dense banana bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and the batter is smooth.
7. Add Mashed Bananas and Optional Add-ins
- Fold in the mashed bananas using a spatula. The bananas should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- If you’re adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or any other add-ins, gently fold them in at this stage.
8. Pour the Batter into the Prepared Pan
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter, making it even.
9. Bake the Banana Bread
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the banana bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check the bread after 45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
10. Cool the Banana Bread
- Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool.
- Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before carefully removing it. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds together and doesn’t fall apart.
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls You'll need at least two bowls—one for mixing the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer While you can mix by hand, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars quicker and easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon For gently folding in the mashed bananas and combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Loaf Pan (9x5-inch) This is the standard size for baking banana bread, giving it the perfect shape and texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups Overripe Bananas
- 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl, then add eggs and vanilla extract.
- Mix in mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins for the best results.
- Accurate Measurements: For the best texture, measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can make the bread dense, so consider using a kitchen scale for precision.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just incorporated. Overmixing the batter can result in tough banana bread.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or other favorite mix-ins. Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the banana bread at the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the bread holds together and doesn’t fall apart.
- Storage: Store banana bread at room temperature, wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—slice it first for easier thawing.
Tips for Starbucks Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas
- The secret to moist and flavorful banana bread is using overripe bananas. Bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins are best. The overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and provide more moisture, making your bread soft and tender.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately
- Be sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can result in a dense loaf. It’s best to use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently and stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing can result in tough banana bread, so it’s important to just combine the ingredients until smooth.
- Check for Doneness
- Every oven is different, so check the banana bread at the 50-minute mark. If a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.
- Add Flavor Variations
- Customize your banana bread with chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits. These additions will elevate the flavor and texture, just like Starbucks’ signature banana bread.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing
- After baking, allow the banana bread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it too soon can cause it to fall apart and lose its structure.
- Store Banana Bread Properly
- To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Try a Vegan or Gluten-Free Version
- To make this banana bread suitable for specific dietary preferences, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) for a vegan version. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your homemade Starbucks Banana Bread is just as moist, flavorful, and irresistible as the one you love from the café!
Conclusion
This Starbucks Banana Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the rich, moist texture and delicious flavor of this café classic. By using simple ingredients and following easy steps, you can recreate this beloved treat right in your own kitchen, filling your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack with coffee or sharing it with family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to make it your own. We’d love to hear about your results—so go ahead and try this recipe, and share your experience with us! Happy baking!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!