Gingerbread Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Gingerbread Banana Bread is a moist, warmly spiced twist on classic banana bread. With the rich flavors of molasses and ginger, it’s perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea. The addition of crystallized ginger and nuts adds delightful texture and bursts of flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, brown sugar, oil or melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Step 4: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and crystallized ginger, if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the crystallized ginger with dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor twist.
• To enhance the ginger flavor, sprinkle a little extra ground ginger on top before baking.
• Use melted butter instead of oil for a richer texture and taste.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and moist texture.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all butter instead of oil in this recipe?

Yes, melted unsalted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture.

Can I omit the nuts and crystallized ginger?

Absolutely. Leaving out the nuts and crystallized ginger will still yield a delicious, moist banana bread with the warm gingerbread spices shining through.

Gingerbread Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 253 reviews

This Gingerbread Banana Bread is a moist, spiced loaf combining ripe bananas with classic gingerbread flavors like molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Enhanced with chopped walnuts and crystallized ginger, it’s a perfect comforting treat for breakfast or dessert, delivering warmth and sweetness in every bite.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil or melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, creating a rich wet base for the bread.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and moist.
5. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and crystallized ginger, dispersing them evenly throughout the batter for added texture and flavor.
6. Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates the bread is perfectly cooked.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the bread set and enhances its texture.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• If you prefer, substitute vegetable oil with melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
• For nut allergies, omit the walnuts or pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Crystallized ginger adds a nice spicy bite but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
• This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Keywords: gingerbread banana bread, spiced banana bread, moist banana bread, holiday banana bread, molasses banana bread, banana nut bread