Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread is a delightful treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts right into your kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved café classic, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Moist and flavorful, this banana nut bread is sure to impress family and friends with its homemade charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal prep time.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and walnuts ensures a rich taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this banana bread can be enjoyed any time of the day.
- Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or other nuts to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything at hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Essential for shaping your banana bread. A good-quality pan ensures even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix wet and dry ingredients separately, which helps in achieving the perfect texture.

Ingredients
Starbucks Copycat Banana Bread is super moist, loaded with sweet bananas and topped with walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
For the Banana Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 extra ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Prepare an 8×5 loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. If desired, line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the following:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Whisk just until combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another medium bowl, combine:
1. 1 egg
2. 1 1/8 cup sugar
3. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients from Step 3. Mix well until just combined; note that the mixture will be thick.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
To the thick mixture, add:
1. 2 tablespoons buttermilk
2. 1 teaspoon vanilla
3. 3 extra ripe bananas (mashed)
Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with:
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Step 7: Bake
Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for about 60-75 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy your freshly baked Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread!
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
Serving Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. This moist, delicious bread can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion or preference.
Warm Slices
- Serve warm slices straight from the oven with a pat of butter for a comforting treat.
With Cream Cheese Spread
- Spread a layer of cream cheese on top for a creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Paired with Coffee
- Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for an energizing pick-me-up.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Add sliced strawberries or bananas on top for a refreshing twist and added nutrition.
As a Dessert
- Slice and serve it as a dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
To ensure your banana nut bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
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Measure Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents using too much flour, which can make the bread dense.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
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Check Doneness Early: Start checking your bread around 60 minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
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Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
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Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread pairs well with various side dishes that elevate its taste and make for a satisfying meal or snack.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making it a balanced option alongside banana bread.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the banana nut bread beautifully.
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Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can provide a hearty breakfast option when served alongside banana nut bread.
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Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter spread offers healthy fats and protein, creating a satisfying combination with each bite.
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Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola makes for an energizing breakfast next to slices of banana nut bread.
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Chia Pudding: This nutritious side adds texture and flavor while being a great source of fiber to accompany your sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making the perfect Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using unripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture in your bread. Look for brown spots on the peel.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your banana bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Don’t skip this step for easy removal!
- Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to test if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, your banana nut bread is ready.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container to keep them fresh.
Freezing Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
- Freeze the entire loaf or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cooking until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions answered.
What makes Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread so moist?
The key ingredients like ripe bananas and vegetable oil contribute to its moist texture, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Can I substitute walnuts in Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread?
Yes! You can use pecans, almonds, or even omit nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version of this delicious bread.
How do I know when my Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
Is there an alternative to buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes! You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as part of breakfast or as a sweet treat, this recipe offers delicious flavor that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or additional spices for a unique twist!
Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread
Indulge in the comforting taste of homemade Starbucks Copycat Banana Nut Bread. This delightful recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With its easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this café favorite right in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or paired with coffee, this banana nut bread is sure to impress family and friends alike. Customize it by adding chocolate chips or other nuts to make it uniquely yours!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 extra ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine the egg, sugar, and vegetable oil; whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg



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