Maple banana bread has a way of turning an ordinary morning into something a little more special. There’s something about the gentle sweetness from pure maple syrup blending with ripe bananas that makes the kitchen instantly feel cozier. It’s the kind of bread that’s moist but not too dense, with just a touch of cinnamon to hint at fall mornings, even if it’s the middle of summer.
I remember one weekend, the kind where the sun was just slipping through the curtains and the whole house smelled like something homemade. I was stirring the batter, trying to keep the kids from sneaking bites (which they failed at, by the way). The texture was somewhere between fluffy and tender, and when it finally came out of the oven, I had to wait—though I’m not great at patience—for it to cool. The first slice was slightly warm and sticky, and I couldn’t decide if I wanted to eat it plain or with a smear of butter. Honestly, I went with both. It’s that kind of bread that invites you to slow down, sip your coffee, and just enjoy a simple moment.
Why You’ll Love It
- Natural sweetness from maple syrup means it’s not overpoweringly sweet — just right for breakfast.
- The texture strikes a nice balance: moist without being heavy, perfect for an early snack or packed lunch.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just comfort in a loaf.
- The subtle cinnamon gives it an extra layer of warmth without stealing the show.
- Since it’s baked in a loaf pan, you get those slightly crisp edges that are honestly the best part.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker — this recipe is forgiving. I usually let the bananas get a little extra ripe, sometimes forgetting them on the counter for a day or two, and that’s when the flavor really shines through.
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Maple Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Kitchen Notes
This bread bakes up easily in any standard loaf pan — nothing fancy needed. If you like, try slicing it thick and toasting it lightly; the warmth brings out the maple flavor even more. I’ve also played around with adding chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips, but honestly, it’s great as is. For a twist, you could swap the cinnamon for a bit of nutmeg or even a pinch of ground ginger — though I haven’t tested those much. It keeps well at room temp for a few days, or you can freeze slices for quick breakfasts later on.
FAQ
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly — honey is sweeter and less earthy.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better. Brown spots or even fully brown bananas give the best flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Probably, but I haven’t tried it myself. You might need to adjust the flour ratios.
Is this bread sweet enough without extra sugar?
The maple syrup and ripe bananas give it a natural sweetness that’s usually enough, but a little extra drizzle on top never hurts.
If you’re craving a simple, comforting breakfast that feels like it was made with a little extra care, this maple banana bread might just be your new go-to. Don’t hesitate to save this recipe for those mornings when you want something cozy but not complicated.