Homemade Starbucks Banana Bread (Better Than the Original!)

There’s something almost magical about walking into Starbucks on a chilly morning, ordering a venti caffè latte, and treating yourself to a slice of their moist, nutty banana bread. For years, this ritual was my special reward after a long work week – until I discovered I could create this little slice of heaven in my own kitchen! Not only is the homemade version fresher and more economical, but the aroma that fills your home while it’s baking creates an experience that even Starbucks can’t match. Now I can enjoy that warm, just-baked goodness whenever the craving strikes!

Copycat Starbucks banana walnut and pecan bread loaf on a wood board.

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What Makes Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread So Special?

Starbucks banana walnut bread stands out from other banana breads because of its perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and texture. The exterior develops a slight crispness while the interior remains incredibly moist and tender. Each bite delivers the natural sweetness of ripe bananas complemented by the subtle crunch and nutty flavor of walnuts. It’s this combination of flavors and textures that keeps customers returning again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

  • Ultimate freshness – Enjoy it still warm from the oven (something you’ll never get at Starbucks!)
  • Cost-effective – Make an entire loaf for less than the price of two slices at the coffee shop
  • Customizable – Adjust sweetness, walnut quantity, and even add chocolate chips if desired
  • No artificial ingredients – Control exactly what goes into your banana bread
  • Impressive treat – Perfect for guests or gifting to friends and neighbors

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Starbucks banana nut bread recipe has wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store:

  • Overripe bananas – They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that distinctive banana flavor that forms the foundation of this bread
  • Bread flour – Creates a denser, chewier texture that mimics Starbucks’ signature consistency (though all-purpose works too)
  • Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb structure
  • Brown sugar – Contributes a deeper molasses flavor and additional moisture to the bread
  • Butter – Provides richness and a velvety mouthfeel to every bite
  • Large Eggs – Act as a binding agent to hold ingredients together while adding structure
  • Vanilla extract – Enhances the banana flavor and adds aromatic complexity
  • Walnuts – Deliver a satisfying textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the sweet banana
  • Pecans – Another crunch factor that complements banana flavor
  • Baking soda – Creates the perfect rise by reacting with the acidic components in the bananas
  • Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors in the bread
Copycat Starbucks banana walnut and pecan bread loaf ingredients on a tray.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this copycat Starbucks banana bread recipe is easy! Here’s what to do:

Preparation

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal

Making the Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
  4. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until just combined
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the mixture, being careful not to overmix
  6. Gently stir in the chopped nuts, reserving a handful for topping

Baking

  1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan
  2. Sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top
  3. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  4. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Making Starbucks banana bread.
A loaf of copycat Starbucks banana walnut and pecan bread.
Copycat Starbucks banana walnut and pecan bread loaf on a wood board.

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread – Better Than The Original

Moist, nutty banana bread that rivals Starbucks' famous version, made with simple ingredients for a fraction of the cost.
4.86 from 34 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Breads
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Starbucks Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 297kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup margarine or butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup mashed ripe banana
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
  • In another medium-sized bowl, use a mixer to cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and milk and mix well.
  • Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the flour is just incorporated. Then, add the remaining flour and the chopped pecans, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with the chopped walnuts. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1.6mg

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

  • Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container to extend freshness.

Freezer Storage

  • Thawing: Allow to thaw at room temperature or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds
  • Whole loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
  • Individual slices: Wrap each slice separately and place in a freezer bag for easy single servings
Copycat Starbucks banana bread on a wood board.

Enjoy Starbucks? Be sure to try these other great copycat recipes

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About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rochelle

    5 stars
    The best banana bread recipe! Been using it and sharing this link since 2013. Sometimes when I’m a particularly healthy mood, I replace the walnuts and use chocolate chips instead. 😉

  2. Rochelle Vaz

    5 stars
    The best banana bread recipe! Been using it and sharing this link since 2013. Sometimes when I’m a particularly healthy mood, I replace the walnuts and use chocolate chips instead. 😉

  3. Kelsey

    5 stars
    This is literally my go to recipe, and has been for years!! I usually make it with 3 bananas, and I add about a teaspoon of vanilla when mixing the wet ingredients, and bake it in an 8×8 pan for more of a cake thickness. Sometimes I’ll use a little less sugar and add in chocolate chips along with the walnuts, and that always comes out good. However this recipe on its own is perfection. Been coming back to it for years and it never disappoints!!

  4. Ashwini

    5 stars
    This recipe turned out delicious!!!
    I added TJ bread flour, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of yeast. Texture and taste came out great.
    So grateful for this recipe!

4.86 from 34 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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