Better than Starbucks Banana Bread: Moist, Easy Copycat Recipe

This Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread recipe is incredibly moist, loaded with the perfect taste of banana throughout, and tastes even better than the Starbucks favorite bread! Using simple ingredients, this quick bread comes together in no time and makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or anytime treat!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Is there anything better than a warm slice of banana bread? I think not! Anytime I am in line at Starbucks for a quick coffee, their banana bread loaf is almost always calling my name. Of course, taking one look at their $4+ price tag for it, I typically tell myself no and head home to make a batch! This Starbucks Copycat Banana Bread is perfectly moist, has incredible flavor, and the texture is spot on! It may even be BETTER than the original if I do say so myself!

Also check out my Starbucks copycat recipes for their Gingerbread Loaf, Carrot Cake, and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! Same great flavor, just a fraction of the cost and available year round anytime that craving hits!

What does this Starbucks Banana Bread Copycat Recipe taste like?

As with many banana breads, this quick bread has a distinct banana flavor throughout! The ripe bananas give it a sweet and tangy flavoring, whereas the walnuts, if using, add in a slight crunch. This bread makes the ultimate breakfast, snack, or anytime treat throughout the day and can be enjoyed warm or room temperature! My favorite is to warm up a slice with a bit of butter on top and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Why You Should make this Better than Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe

• A cost effective way to make the coffee shop favorite at home– forget paying over $4 for one slice of banana bread. Now you can make the entire loaf for under $5!
• Can be adapted to fit your tastes– you have full control over the ingredients that go into the recipe as well as any add in’s used such as chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, raisins, etc.
• A great way to use up those ripe bananas– if your house is like mine, there are almost always extra ripe bananas on hand to use. This is the perfect way to use them up.
• A quick and easy satisfying snack or anytime treat– whether you freeze slices for later, enjoy for breakfast, snacks, or anytime…you can’t go wrong!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Ingredients

• Flour– all purpose flour is the base of this recipe
• Baking Soda/ Salt– ensure freshness as this gives the quick bread its rise
• Eggs– large eggs at room temperature
• Sugar– white sugar gives this bread the perfect amount of sweetness
• Oil– vegetable oil gives this bread its moistness, you can also use canola oil or olive oil, but olive oil will alter the flavoring a bit
• Milk– any type works, we use 2% because that is what we have on hand typically
• Vanilla Extract– use pure extract versus imitation for the best flavor
• Bananas– mashed, make sure they are super ripe as they give this recipe the most flavor
• Walnuts– optional, but highly recommended, chopped, you can also use pecans

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Variations to try

• If you prefer this bread nut free, that works great, or you can add in chopped walnuts/pecans to make Starbucks Banana Nut Bread.
• About 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries make a great addition to this bread.
• For a chocolate addition, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter.
• Slicing a banana and placing the slices evenly on top of the bread before it goes into the oven is a pretty and tasty addition.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon and brown sugar on top of the banana bread loaf before it goes into the oven to create a sweet spiced crust.

How to make Starbucks Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease a loaf pan (or mini loaf pans/ muffin cups)
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.
4. Stir wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. *batter will be very thick
5. Add in the bananas and stir to combine.
6. Fold in chopped walnuts (if using).
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan(s) using a rubber spatula and place into preheated oven.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes if large loaf, 30-35 minutes if mini loaves, and 25 minutes if muffins.
9. Remove from oven once toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center of bread.
10. Allow to cool slightly, slice and enjoy!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t worry if the batter is extremely thick. That is normal and the bread will turn out perfectly. Use a wooden spoon to combine ingredients.
• Keep an eye on baking times depending on if you are baking a full loaf, mini loaves, or muffins. You want to ensure you don’t over-bake this bread.
• For a creamier addition, you can use buttermilk in place of the milk.
• Don’t over-mix the batter as it will cause the bread to become dense and not as moist. Stir until just combined and then add in the nuts (if using) folding in to combine.
• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature as this helps them to combine into the batter evenly and easier.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this Starbucks Copycat Banana Bread Recipe?

• Once bread has fully cooled, you can store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge up to one week.
• To freeze, place in a freezer safe container or freezer bag up to 3 months. To ensure freshness, wrap each loaf in plastic wrap before placing in bag or container.
• When you are ready to enjoy a slice or two, you can warm it back up using the microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer.

What is the best way to enjoy Banana Bread?

Personally, I like to keep it simple and spread some butter on a warm slice and devour my serving, however, here are some other great options:

• Fresh from the oven
• Toasted with some butter or honey on top
• Served with a scoop of ice-cream on top for an evening sweet treat.
• Topped with some cream cheese once toasted.
• Using peanut butter or Nutella to drizzle on a slice.

How do I make Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread?

The only change to make this into a nut bread, is to use walnuts or pecans. Yep, that’s it! Whether you have an allergy to nuts and choose nut free, or want to make this into a Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread, simply choose whether you want to add them in or not! We LOVE the added crunch, whereas others prefer a soft, tender bread!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Exact Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped *optional