Starbucks Banana Bread (Copycat Recipe) – A Moist, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet Treat

If you’ve ever had Starbucks banana bread and wished you could enjoy that moist, nutty perfection in the comfort of your own kitchen, this copycat recipe is the answer to your cravings! With just the right amount of sweetness, a rich banana flavor, and crunchy walnuts, this banana bread is everything you love about the coffee shop favorite—but now you can bake it up fresh at home. Whether you serve it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this delicious loaf is sure to become a household staple.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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Why This Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Is a Must-Make Recipe

This banana bread is incredibly moist thanks to the combination of mashed bananas and vegetable oil, while the buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances out the sweetness. The walnuts provide a wonderful crunch, making each bite of this loaf absolutely irresistible. Best of all, it’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, like the real Starbucks version, this banana bread gets even better the day after it’s baked, making it perfect for make-ahead baking.

The Inspiration Behind Starbucks Banana Bread

The original Starbucks banana bread is beloved for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. This copycat recipe recreates that same rich banana flavor and nutty goodness, but with the satisfaction of making it from scratch. Whether you're enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it to guests, this homemade version is just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as the one from your favorite coffee shop.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Slices):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 2g

This banana bread is indulgent yet balanced, with a satisfying sweetness and crunch that makes it perfect for a special breakfast or snack.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even more by serving it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast or afternoon treat. For a dessert twist, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bread also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or yogurt for a lighter option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. To keep it moist, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or toast it lightly in the oven.

Fun Fact: The Secret to Moist Banana Bread

The key to achieving super moist banana bread lies in the bananas themselves. Overripe bananas, with lots of brown spots, are ideal because they are sweeter and have a softer texture. This not only adds flavor but also helps create that tender, moist crumb that makes banana bread so irresistible!

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Cooking Tips

• Use Overripe Bananas: The more brown spots on the bananas, the better! They’ll be sweeter and much easier to mash, giving your banana bread a more intense banana flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense instead of light and tender.
• Add Extra Mix-Ins: While walnuts are the classic choice, feel free to add chocolate chips, pecans, or even dried fruit for some variety.
• Make It Ahead: Banana bread often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld, so feel free to bake it ahead of time!

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter, chocolatey twist.
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar, then swirl it into the batter before baking for a delicious cinnamon kick.
• Pecan Banana Bread: Swap out the walnuts for pecans for a Southern-inspired twist on this classic loaf.

Starbucks Banana Bread Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe medium-large bananas, mashed
• ½ cup + ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (divided)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F if using a glass pan, or 350°F if using a nonstick pan. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly dust it with flour.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Combine the wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then, mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until the batter is smooth.
5. Add the walnuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts into the batter.
6. Prepare the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the batter.
7. Bake: Bake the banana bread for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, with or without butter. Enjoy!

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This Starbucks Banana Bread Copycat is just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as the real thing! Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich banana flavor, the crunch of walnuts, and the perfect, tender crumb—just like your favorite coffeehouse treat!