This Maple Banana Bread is everything you want in a homemade treat, moist, soft, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and real maple syrup. The gentle hint of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth, making this loaf perfect for fall mornings or relaxing afternoon coffee breaks.
Whether you’re baking for your family or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this banana bread is sure to impress. It’s incredibly simple to make, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips. This is a comforting classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
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Whisk in the eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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If using, stir in chopped nuts.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Moist & Cozy Maple Banana Bread: A Naturally Sweetened Classic
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about banana bread. The comforting aroma wafting from the oven, the soft, tender crumb, and the rich, slightly caramelized banana flavor, it all evokes a sense of home. Now, take that comforting classic and give it a seasonal twist with the deep, golden sweetness of pure maple syrup, and you’ve got yourself something truly special: Maple Banana Bread.
Unlike traditional banana bread recipes that rely on refined white sugar, this version is sweetened entirely with 100% pure maple syrup, giving it a more complex flavor profile and a moist texture that lasts for days. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy breakfast loaf, a midday snack with a warm cup of tea, or a lightly toasted slice with a smear of butter for dessert, this maple banana bread is a crowd-pleasing favorite that fits effortlessly into any part of your day.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Banana Bread
This banana bread isn’t just delicious, it’s also:
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Naturally sweetened: Using maple syrup instead of sugar gives the bread a richer flavor and a more wholesome sweetness.
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Soft and moist: The bananas and maple syrup work together to keep this loaf tender and fluffy without needing sour cream or yogurt.
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Easy to make: It comes together in one bowl, with minimal ingredients that is perfect for beginner bakers or a quick baking fix.
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Customizable: Add-ins like chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or a swirl of almond butter can easily be incorporated for a personal touch.
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Freezer-friendly: You can bake ahead and store slices in the freezer for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
Every ingredient in this banana bread has been thoughtfully chosen to create a well-balanced loaf that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
- Bananas
The star of the show! Ripe, spotty bananas are essential for deep flavor and natural sweetness. The riper, the better. Bananas also act as a natural binder and help keep the bread ultra moist.
- Pure Maple Syrup
Not to be confused with pancake syrup, pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener made by boiling down the sap of maple trees. It adds depth and warmth to the banana bread, giving it a unique earthy-sweet flavor and gorgeous golden hue.
- Eggs
Eggs provide structure and help with rise. They also contribute richness to the loaf. For a vegan version, flax eggs can be used as a substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour
The base of the recipe, flour provides the structure needed to support the moisture-rich batter. For a slightly nuttier texture, you can swap in whole wheat flour or a 50/50 mix.
- Optional Add-ins
Craving a little crunch? Add chopped walnuts or pecans. Want a hint of indulgence? Toss in some dark chocolate chips. Or swirl in some nut butter for extra richness. This recipe is highly adaptable to your flavor preferences.
Healthier Baking Without Compromise
One of the best parts about this recipe is how it delivers indulgent taste while being a better-for-you alternative to traditional banana breads. Here’s how:
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No refined sugar: Maple syrup is lower on the glycemic index than granulated sugar, making it a better option for blood sugar management.
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Lower in saturated fats: You can use heart-healthy oils like avocado or light olive oil instead of butter.
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Gluten-free adaptable: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to suit your dietary needs.
If you’re mindful about ingredients but still want to enjoy a warm, freshly baked treat, this recipe offers the best of both worlds.
Serving Suggestions
Maple Banana Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways:
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Warm with butter: A classic approach that never disappoints. Try using salted butter for a perfect salty-sweet combo.
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Toasted with nut butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on a toasted slice for a high-protein snack.
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French toast twist: Turn leftover slices into decadent banana bread French toast.
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With yogurt and fruit: A balanced breakfast idea serve it with Greek yogurt, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
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Dessert-ready: Top a warmed slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
Storing and Freezing Tips
This bread stays moist for days, but proper storage will extend its freshness.
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Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Stays fresh for up to 5–6 days when stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp or warm before eating.
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Freezer: Slice and wrap each piece individually for easy grab-and-go options. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, simply leave a slice on the counter for 30–60 minutes, or reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven.
A Loaf for All Seasons
While Maple Banana Bread makes for the perfect fall or winter treat, it’s a year-round winner. The flavor is cozy and comforting, yet not too heavy for spring or summer. If you’re baking it around the holidays, a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a light maple glaze can make it festive and elegant. In warmer months, pair it with fresh berries or a citrus-infused yogurt spread for a bright, refreshing twist.
Make It Your Signature Loaf
Once you’ve made this maple banana bread once, chances are you’ll be hooked. You’ll begin to see how endlessly adaptable it is and how you can make it your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next loaf:
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Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
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Mix in dried cranberries for a tart-sweet flavor pop.
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Create a swirl with cinnamon-sugar for a coffee-cake effect.
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Drizzle with a maple glaze for a touch of dessert decadence.
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Use mini loaf pans to create perfect little gifts or portion-controlled treats.
Conclusion
This Maple Banana Bread is more than just another quick bread, it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in the most flavorful and comforting way. With its naturally sweetened profile, tender texture, and warm notes of cinnamon and maple, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re baking it to use up overripe bananas, to fill your home with cozy aromas, or to bring joy to someone with a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe delivers every single time. So the next time you find a few bananas turning spotty on your counter, skip the compost bin and bake a loaf of pure comfort. Your future self will thank you with every bite.