Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe (Copycat!)
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Try my Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe whenever the craving hits… without the need to run out to your local coffee shop! Made with easy-to-find pantry ingredients, it’s moist, dense, sweet, and nutty — perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack! Plus, it freezes wonderfully, so you’ll always have some Starbucks banana bread on hand!
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
I love my Starbucks fix just as much as the next person, but there’s no denying that their prices are a bit too high to treat yourself every day. My solution?
I get in the kitchen and make my favorites myself, from scratch!
I’ve recreated their peppermint mocha coffee, cold foam, the famous Cranberry Bliss Bars, cinnamon dolce latte on ice, and white chocolate mocha frappuccinos.
Next up on my list? This Starbucks banana bread recipe!
When I went to make it, I actually realized that I don’t have any banana bread recipes up on the site!!
I know it’s super simple, but the first few times that I made it I absolutely had to follow a recipe.
Well, if you’re a banana bread novice, get ready to meet the ultimate banana bread by Starbucks!
Made with ripe bananas, two different types of nuts, and a handful of other simple ingredients, it’s prepped and ready to pop in the oven in just 15 minutes.
You’ll have to have some patience as it bakes, otherwise it’s super easy to make at home!
Also take a look at our Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe! It’s just incredible!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour – Standard, all-purpose flour is perfect for this Starbucks copycat banana bread. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a GF flour with a 1:1 ratio.
- Baking Soda – This small but mighty ingredient helps your banana bread rise. Don’t skip it, or it will come out a lot denser than preferred.
- Butter – I typically reach for unsalted butter when it comes to baking projects and this one is no different. Soften it before you get started!
- Sugar – Regular granulated sugar is fine. Or, for a more complex flavor, consider using a bit of brown sugar as well!
- Eggs – You’ll need 2 large eggs, yolks and all.
- Bananas – Make sure to use very ripe bananas for this Starbucks banana bread recipe! They’re easiest to mash and boast a nice sweet flavor.
- Nuts – I’m using chopped pecans and walnuts, but you can feel free to substitute your favorites! Or, if you’re nut-free, simply leave them out.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract – Both add a warm and earthy flavor to your Starbucks banana bread.
As a note, you can definitely adjust the amount of cinnamon according to your taste preference. - Milk – I like whole milk best, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Starbucks Banana Bread
- Always use ripe bananas.
I know I already mentioned this above, but using ripe bananas for your Starbucks copycat banana bread really is that important!
Overripe bananas will add the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture to the bread batter.
In fact, the riper the bananas, the more moisture and flavor they’ll add to the final results.
- Proper mixing is key.
You need to be mindful when you cream and butter and sugar, and when combining everything together.
Creaming the softened butter with the sugar thoroughly incorporates air into the batter, which will create a light and fluffy texture.
Beat the two ingredients together until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy.
You also need to be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients.
Overmixing will lead to a really tough Starbucks banana bread, and I know you don’t want that!
As you go, note that a few lumps are okay — they’ll disappear once the bread bakes!
- Play around with the added spices.
I’m using cinnamon (plus vanilla extract) in my banana bread Starbucks recipe, but you can feel free to experiment if you’d like!
Some ideas include added ground nutmeg or ground cloves, or some allspice, ginger, or even cardamom for a truly unique flavor.
Prep Ahead
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Prepare the loaf pan
- Soften the butter
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- 9×5 Bread Pan – Keep in mind that glass and dark bread pans bake hotter. So, you may want to lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees if using one of these for your Starbucks banana bread.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. With 3 sizes, there is a whisk for every job!
- Electric Hand Mixer – I’ve had this one in my kitchen forever, and it still works beautifully.
- Wire Rack – Great for cooling all kinds of baked goods.
Serving Suggestions
Make sure to allow your Starbucks banana bread recipe to cool completely before slicing to ensure that it holds its shape.
This would make a great addition to a brunch spread!
I’d serve it with almond blueberry breakfast cake, air fryer hash browns, homemade everything bagels, and sausage, egg, and cheese sliders… just to name a few yummy recipes!
And, don’t forget about all of those copycat Starbucks coffee drinks I linked above!
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Leftover Banana Bread by Starbucks
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need longer storage, you can freeze it!
Wrap the loaf in several layers of plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, you can use your microwave — heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
Or, set your oven to 300°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating if working from frozen!
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe FAQ
The likely culprit is that you added too many bananas or overmixed the batter. Both can result in really dense and heavy results.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the recipe card below and only use 3 bananas. Don’t overmix, and you should end up with a perfectly light and fluffy banana bread Starbucks recipe!
It’s easy! Once your Starbucks banana bread recipe is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If freezing, add a layer of foil, otherwise, add the wrapped loaf to an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
You don’t have to if you plan on eating it within 2-3 days. That said, if you want to extend its shelf-life by a few days, you can store leftovers in the fridge.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe (Copycat!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare butter-sugar mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add more wet ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the nuts: Fold in a ¼ cup of the chopped walnuts and all of the chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Decorate the loaf: Arrange the remaining ½ cup of chopped walnuts over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the bread: Bake in a preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. Slice and enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published January 2024
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oh my!! i’m a huge banana bread fan, and this just hit the spot!
this recipe is amazing, tasted just like the one from The Slow Roasted Italian! So easy to make, loved it.
Hi Hadley!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
donna’s recipes are always a hit in my kitchen, and this banana bread was no exception. I added a touch of nutmeg for extra flavor, and it turned out amazing!