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!
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Table of Contents
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
Cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy note that elevates the flavor profile
- 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
- 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
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal
Making the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until just combined
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix
- Gently stir in the chopped walnuts, reserving a handful for topping
Baking
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan
- Sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Homemade Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour bread flour is recommended
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas this is usually 2 or 3 bananas
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup margarine
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 egg
- 1 cup chopped walnuts divided use
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium-size bowl combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt), stir together to combine. In another medium-size bowl combine margarine and sugar, with a mixer cream the margarine, and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in mashed bananas, eggs, milk and mix well.
- Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix until the flour is just mixed in, then add in the remaining flour and 1/2 cup walnuts, blend together until everything is mixed together.
- Do not over stir. Pour batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Then top the batter with the remaining chopped walnuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. While Starbucks does not make their banana bread with butter, I think this comes out richer this way. I also like to add in a sprinkle or two of cinnamon and sugar into this, again, not in their recipe, it does add that little something extra.
Video
Nutrition
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
Enjoy Starbucks? Be sure to try these other great copycat recipes
- Flat White
- Caramel Macchiato
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- DIY Starbucks Frappuccinos – Caramel
- Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe – Snickerdoodle
- Cafe Mocha Recipe
- Egg Bites
- Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches
- Starbucks Spinach & Feta Breakfast Wrap
- Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
More Quick Bread Recipes
Check out more of my recipes from famous restaurants and easy bread recipes.
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. 😉
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. 😉
looks delicious. can i use whole wheat flour ?
You can try it, the results will not be the same. It will be heavier.
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!!
Delicious!
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!
had so many over ripe bananas i made nine loves of bread, never hade it at Starbucks but it sure tastes good
Amazing