Almond Butter Banana Bread
Okay, picture this: I’m standing in my kitchen, face-to-face with a bunch of overripe bananas that are way past their prime. Instead of throwing them out, I decided to turn my snack game upside down. Enter almond butter banana bread—a loaf so moist, nutty, and easy, it quickly became my go-to for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Seriously, the smell of toasted almond butter and ripe bananas wafting through the house? Instant happiness. Plus, this isn’t your average banana bread; the almond butter gives it a rich, creamy twist that’s just downright addictive. Trust me, once you try this loaf, you’ll be sneaking slices all week long!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 cup almond butter (smooth or chunky, your choice!)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How I Make It
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the almond butter, mashed bananas, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—a little elbow grease here really helps to get all the almond butter fully mixed in.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, careful not to overmix. You want the bread tender, not tough.
Step 3:
If you’re adding any extras like walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently now. My personal fave is a handful of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Step 4:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5:
Let your almond butter banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so it cools completely without getting soggy on the bottom.
Step 6:
Slice, serve, and enjoy! This bread tastes incredible warm, but it also holds up nicely the next day if you keep it wrapped tightly.
Variations & Tips
- Swap almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy spice kick.
- Use gluten-free flour to make it allergy-friendly without losing texture.
- If your batter feels too thick, mix in a splash of milk or almond milk to loosen it.
- For an extra moist loaf, try folding in 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Press sliced almonds or banana slices on top before baking for a pretty, textured crust.
How I Like to Serve It
I love slicing this bread fresh out of the oven and spreading a little extra almond butter on top — it’s like a warm hug in food form. It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack with tea, or even a simple dessert. In cooler months, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. Honestly, it’s good anytime, anywhere.
Notes
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked warmth.
Closing: If you want a banana bread that’s moist, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this almond butter version never disappoints—trust me, it’s a keeper!