Starbucks Banana Bread, it instantly becomes a crave-worthy treat. Richly sweet and full of genuine banana taste, each bite offers a warm sense of comfort. And those toasted walnuts? Pure perfection.
I used to grab a slice at the drive-thru whenever I needed a little pick-me-up. But once I started making this copycat recipe at home, I haven’t looked back. It tastes just like the original, if not even better. Super moist, rich, and with that bakery-style texture you’d swear took hours (spoiler: it didn’t).
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need any special mixers or unusual ingredients—just ripe bananas, everyday pantry staples, and a few minutes to bring it all together. Pop it in the oven, and soon your kitchen will smell like a cozy little coffee shop.
If you’ve got overripe bananas on your counter, don’t let them go to waste. This Starbucks banana bread recipe is the perfect excuse to bake something delicious—and maybe even skip your next coffee run.
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
This homemade Starbucks-style banana bread is pure comfort in every bite. It’s unbelievably moist, rich with banana flavor, and topped with crunchy chopped walnuts for that perfect finish.
Every bite brings that same coffee shop flavor, maybe even with a little upgrade. The bananas add a natural sweetness, and the texture? Soft, tender, and completely irresistible.
I love slicing it up warm, spreading a little butter over the top, and sipping it with a strong cup of coffee. It’s the kind of breakfast (or anytime treat) that just makes your morning feel a little more special.
The best part? It’s foolproof. I’m not a professional baker by any means, but this came out perfectly on my very first try. If I’m able to do it, there’s no doubt you can as well!
What You’ll Need
Just the basics—nothing fancy, just what you need for that cozy, bakery-style banana bread.
- Baking soda – Aids in making the bread rise and keeps it soft and airy.
- Egg – Adds structure and softness.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps it super moist (no butter needed!).
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang; yogurt or sour cream work too.
- Vanilla extract – Boosts the flavor beautifully.
- Ripe bananas – The riper, the better—think soft and spotty.
- Chopped walnuts – For that classic crunch and nutty goodness.
Tips for Success
This banana bread is cozy, moist, and incredibly easy to make—even if baking isn’t your thing. Follow these tried-and-true tips to make sure your loaf turns out even better than the one at Starbucks!
Ripen bananas in a pinch
No brown-speckled bananas? No problem. Just place whole, unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and pop them into a 300°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They’ll quickly become tender, flavorful, and ideal for baking.
Mash like you mean it
You want smooth, evenly mashed bananas to avoid any weird, stringy bites in your loaf. You can use a fork, but for super creamy banana puree, a hand mixer or food processor does the job beautifully.
Be precise with your measurements
Taking flour straight from the bag often results in using too much. A more effective method is to lightly scoop the flour into the measuring cup and then carefully even it out by running the flat edge of a knife across the top. A little extra flour can dry out your bread, so accuracy matters!
Mix gently
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care to avoid overmixing. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir only until the flour is fully combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough instead of soft and tender.
Customize it!
Want a twist on the classic? Toss in some chopped walnuts for crunch or sprinkle in chocolate chips for a richer, dessert-like vibe. Both options taste amazing with banana.
Don’t overbake
Around the 50-minute mark, carefully insert a toothpick into the center to test for doneness. If it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine), it’s ready. Be careful not to overbake, as it can cause dryness—monitor it closely.
Cool with care
Allow the bread to rest in the pan for approximately 10 minutes once it’s done baking. This gives it time to set so it holds its shape when you take it out. Too soon, and it might fall apart or feel too soft.
Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ⅛ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp buttermilk (or 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp lemon juice, mixed and rested for 5 mins)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (medium to large size)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (for the batter)
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Gently coat a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with a thin layer of grease, then sprinkle some flour over it to keep the batter from sticking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and salt by sifting them together. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of vegetable oil until smooth and slightly creamy.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently—don’t overmix. Pour in half a cup of buttermilk, add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix in one cup of mashed ripe bananas (about two large bananas). Stir until everything is just combined.
- If you enjoy a bit of crunch, gently fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts. The batter will turn out thick and rich.
- Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle another ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts over the top for that signature crunch and look.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs remaining—this indicates it’s perfectly baked.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes, then gently take it out. Set it on a wire rack and let it cool fully. Once it’s cooled, slice thick and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tried it? Tag me or leave a comment—I’d love to know how your loaf turns out!
