Discover a Starbucks-inspired banana bread recipe that's moist, nutty, and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!

Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe

I’ve always been a sucker for a good slice of banana bread, especially when it’s got that perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. 

There’s something so comforting about the smell of it baking in the oven, filling the house with warm, cozy vibes. 

This recipe is my take on the iconic Starbucks banana bread—a loaf that’s rich, flavorful, and studded with walnuts for that extra crunch. 

I’ve spent countless mornings at Starbucks, sipping coffee and savoring their banana bread, so I knew I had to recreate it at home. 

After a bit of trial and error, I’ve nailed a version that’s just as delicious, if not better, and I’m excited to share it with you. 

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a quick snack, or just because you have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe

This Starbucks-inspired banana bread is a total crowd-pleaser, with its soft, moist texture and a flavor that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. 

The addition of walnuts gives it a delightful crunch, while the perfect blend of sugar and vanilla extract makes every bite feel like a treat. 

It’s simple enough for beginner bakers but delivers bakery-quality results that’ll impress everyone.

  • Quick and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
  • Perfectly moist with a tender crumb.
  • Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or other add-ins.
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience.
  • Brings that cozy Starbucks vibe to your home kitchen.

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Ingredients For Starbucks Banana Bread

You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this delicious banana bread. Most of these are likely already in your kitchen!

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this banana bread. Basic tools make this recipe a breeze!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking this banana bread is straightforward, but I’ve broken it down into detailed steps to make it foolproof, even if you’re new to baking. Follow along, and you’ll have a perfect loaf in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the loaf goes in. 

Grab your 9x5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. 

For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift the bread out later.

2. Mash the Bananas

Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth with just a few small lumps. 

You want about 1 ½ cups (360g) of mashed banana for the perfect texture and flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best—they’re sweeter and easier to mash.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. 

Whisk until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. 

Make sure there are no lumps in the flour—this helps the bread rise evenly.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. 

Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and tender.

6. Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts with your spatula. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that mimics the Starbucks version. 

If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip this step or swap them for another add-in (see Variations to Try).

7. Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared 9x5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula for an even surface. 

Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

8. Bake the Banana Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. 

If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil after about 45 minutes.

9. Cool and Remove from Pan

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. 

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bread out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Tips for Success

I’ve made this banana bread a bunch of times, and these tips have helped me get it just right. They’re simple but make a big difference in the final result.

  • Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for extra flavor.
  • Check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid under- or overbaking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean, even cuts.

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Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and spreads, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. 

Its rich, nutty flavor and moist texture make it a standout on its own or dressed up with a little extra love.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about this banana bread is how easy it is to switch things up. Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or pantry.

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Storage and Reheating

Store your banana bread properly to keep it fresh and delicious. It holds up well for days or even months if frozen.

  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week to extend freshness.
  • Freeze slices or the whole loaf in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

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Nutritional Facts

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (assuming 10 slices per loaf). Keep in mind that exact values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 12g (5g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 33g (18g sugars)
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 200mg

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This banana bread isn’t just delicious—it’s got some nutritional perks too, thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Bananas and walnuts bring more than just flavor to the table, making this treat a bit of a feel-good indulgence.

  • Bananas: Packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, supporting heart health and digestion.
  • Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, promoting brain health and reducing inflammation.
  • Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline for brain function.
  • Brown sugar: Contains small amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium compared to white sugar.

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FAQs

Got questions about making this banana bread? Here are some common ones I’ve heard from friends and family, along with answers to help you out.

1. Can I make this banana bread without nuts?

Yes, you can skip the walnuts entirely without changing the recipe’s structure. If you want a similar texture, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll work just as well as fresh ones.

3. How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it’s wet with batter, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.

5. Why is my banana bread dense?

Dense bread is usually due to overmixing the batter or using underripe bananas. Mix just until combined, and use very ripe bananas for the best texture.

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Final Thoughts

This Starbucks-inspired banana bread recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s so reliable and comforting. 

It’s got that perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and nutty crunch that makes it feel like a special treat, even on an ordinary day. 

I love how easy it is to whip up with ingredients I usually have on hand, and it never fails to fill my kitchen with the most inviting aroma. 

Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or sneaking a slice for a midnight snack, this bread is sure to bring a little joy to your day. 

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop a comment or tag me with your loaf!

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