14 Amazing Banana Bread Recipes

Banana Nut Bread

The Spruce/Diana Chistruga

We've all done it: That bunch of bananas looks great at the store, so you bring them home all perfectly ripe and ready to eat. Then, you make a smoothie or two, slice one on some toast with peanut butter, and before you know it, you have a few bananas just going black on your countertop. This is where banana bread swoops in to save the day! Sweet, nutty, and a versatile way to use up those leftover bananas, you'll want to pop a few loaves in the oven, pronto.

  • 01 of 14

    Banana Date Bread

    Banana bread on a tray with butter.
    Diana Rattray

    The addition of chopped dates gives this awesome banana bread even more sweet, earthy flavor and a unique, chewier texture. Dates work great as a substitute to nuts if you have an allergy, or a complement to them if you want to toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans, as well.

  • 02 of 14

    Banana Nut Bread

    Banana nut bread

    The Spruce

    This moist, flavorful banana bread comes in as a fan favorite, with tons of five-star reviews. And once you try it, you'll understand why. This ingredient list makes two loaves, but you can scale it down to make one or freeze the one you don't use right away. Feel free to leave out the pecans or replace them with walnuts, if you prefer.

  • 03 of 14

    Moist Banana Bread With Coconut Oil

    Moist Banana Bread With Coconut Oil, loaf of banana bread on a white marble table

    The Spruce / Emily Baker

    Turn your breakfast bread into dessert or treat yourself to some sweetness with the addition of chocolate chips. They give your classic banana bread just enough flare for a special breakfast or brunch, or a delicious after-work snack.

  • 04 of 14

    Double Chocolate Banana Bread

    Chocolate Banana Bread

     Kristina Vanni

    For a totally new twist on banana bread, add unsweetened cocoa powder for a dose of rich, chocolatey flavor, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a pretty presentation and even more melted chocolate goodness.

    Continue to 5 of 14 below.
  • 05 of 14

    Healthy Banana Bread

    Healthy Banana Bread

     Kristina Vanni

    A few smart swaps make this banana bread a little healthier than your standard, without sacrificing flavor. Yogurt adds moisture without extra oil, a blend of whole-wheat and all-purpose flours add extra fiber, and flaxseed pumps up both while contributing to leavening.

  • 06 of 14

    Instant Pot Banana Bread

    Instant Pot Banana Bread

     Kristina Vanni

    Yes, you can bake in your Instant Pot! This banana bread recipe comes out moist and flavorful. Just wrap the pan tightly in foil before baking so the steam doesn't get into the bread, making it mushy.

  • 07 of 14

    Bread Machine Banana Bread

    bread machine banana bread

    The Spruce

    Use your bread machine to make an easy, moist, and delicious banana bread without a lot of work. Most quick breads will bake in a standard bread machine in two hours, since the longer cycle usually results in heavier breads, like whole wheat. Leave out the nuts, if you don't care for them or have an allergy.

  • 08 of 14

    Bourbon Banana Bread

    bourbon banana bread
    Leah Maroney

    This kicky banana bread recipe makes a fun twist on Nigella Lawson's classic banana bread, but with a luscious bourbon glaze and some extra booze in the batter to give it a wonderful moist texture. The bourbon bakes off in the bread, but not in the glaze. If you want it to stay non-alcoholic, simply heat up the bourbon in a saucepan for about two minutes. Let it cool completely before making the glaze.

    Continue to 9 of 14 below.
  • 09 of 14

    Vegan Banana Bread

    Low fat vegan banana bread recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak

    Make your banana bread vegan and low-fat by omitting the oil and eggs and adding just 1/3 cup vegan margarine. It makes an excellent introductory recipe for new vegan bakers, since it doesn't require any egg substitutes. Add some chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips, if you want a little extra oomph.

  • 10 of 14

    Banana Bread with Orange Zest

    Banana Bread with Orange Zest

    The addition of orange zest gives this banana bread a little extra citrus note that complements the banana perfectly. If you can, give it a day after baking to let the flavors mellow and meld. Feel free to omit the nuts or add chocolate chips if you prefer a little extra pizzazz.

  • 11 of 14

    Gluten-Free Banana Bread

    Gluten free banana bread

     Getty

    Those who have celiac disease or follow a gluten-free diet don't have to give up banana bread with this easy recipe. Applesauce gives it a moist texture, as does dairy-free margarine. Maple syrup also gives it a unique sweetness. If you have an egg allergy in the family, feel free to use an egg substitute instead of the eggs, too. Try serving it with chocolate hazelnut spread, for a special treat.

  • 12 of 14

    Just Great Banana Bread

    Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Katie Workman/themom100.com

    This awesome banana bread recipe gets a slightly sour note from buttermilk, a little citrus hit from orange zest, and just enough sweetness from chocolate chips sprinkled on top. If you use a stand mixer to blend it, use the paddle attachment and don't overbeat. Beating it too much results in tough, dense bread. You want to still see a few streaks of flour and banana in the batter.

    Continue to 13 of 14 below.
  • 13 of 14

    One-Egg Banana Bread

    One Egg Banana Bread

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Grab one bowl and one egg to make this easy banana bread that comes together with ingredients you may already have on hand. Because it only uses one egg, it also weighs in lower in cholesterol than some other recipes, so try it for those who need to watch their diet, too.

  • 14 of 14

    Cream Cheese Banana Bread

    Cream Cheese Banana Bread

    Azurita / iStock / Getty Images Plus

    While it looks fancy and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this fancy banana bread uses a pre-made biscuit mix as its base for simple preparation. The addition of cream cheese gives it a cheesecake-like texture, perfect for an elegant brunch, tea time, or dessert. To level it up even further, add some chopped candied ginger or drizzle it with a powdered sugar glaze.