Freshly baked banana bread topped with crunchy walnuts, sliced and served on a wooden board beside a cup of coffee. — Moist and flavorful banana bread topped with walnuts — a perfect breakfast treat inspired by Starbucks.

This banana bread recipe brings the cozy warmth of a coffeehouse classic right into your kitchen. It’s moist, rich, and full of naturally sweet banana flavor — just like the famous Starbucks loaf, but fresher and even more satisfying. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with coffee, this loaf is pure comfort in every slice.

If you’re a banana lover, this recipe is going to be a regular in your kitchen. The combination of ripe bananas, tender crumb, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfectly balanced bite — sweet, nutty, and soft. Plus, it’s an easy one-bowl recipe that doesn’t require a mixer. Just stir, bake, and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe

Perfect for breakfast: A warm slice of banana bread with butter or honey is the best way to start your morning.
Super moist texture: Thanks to ripe bananas and buttermilk, every bite stays tender.
Quick and simple: No special tools or fancy steps needed.
Freezer-friendly: Store extra slices and enjoy banana bread whenever you want.
Coffeehouse flavor at home: Feels like a treat straight from Starbucks — without the price tag.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a warm, spiced flavor)
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk (or homemade substitute — see below)
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping

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Make your own buttermilk: Mix ½ tablespoon of white vinegar with ½ cup of whole milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.

How to Make This Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and buttermilk, then stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined. The mixture should look thick and creamy — that’s what makes your banana bread so moist.

Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are totally fine.

Step 2: Add the Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a small handful for sprinkling on top before baking. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, simply skip them — the banana bread will still taste incredible on its own.

Step 3: Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved walnuts over the surface for that signature bakery-style finish.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.

Once done, let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait — but trust me, it’s worth it!

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Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas: The darker and spottier they are, the sweeter and softer your bread will be.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a dense texture.
Avoid opening the oven too early: This can cause the bread to sink in the middle.
Rest before slicing: Letting it cool slightly helps the flavor settle and prevents crumbling.

Storage and Freezing

Store: Keep your banana bread wrapped in plastic or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer freshness, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze: Slice the cooled loaf, wrap each slice individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Banana Bread Breakfast Ideas

This banana bread recipe is so versatile that it fits any morning mood:

Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or honey.
Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent breakfast.
Pair it with a cup of coffee or chai latte for a cozy start to your day.
Turn leftovers into banana bread French toast — just dip slices in beaten egg and cook until golden on both sides.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this banana bread without buttermilk?
Yes! Just use the homemade version or substitute with yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first, drain any extra liquid, and mash as usual.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes — for a sweeter version, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips with the walnuts.

Nutrition (per slice)

Approx. 280 calories, packed with potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness from bananas — a wholesome choice for breakfast or snack time.