This Maple Banana Bread is the ultimate upgrade to your classic banana loaf. Infused with rich maple syrup and topped with a nutty crunch, each slice is moist, tender, and full of comforting fall flavors. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or a day later when the flavors deepen, it’s a satisfying treat any time of year.
It’s the kind of simple, feel-good recipe that brings joy to a chilly morning or makes the perfect afternoon snack with tea. The maple glaze soaks into the warm bread, giving it an irresistible stickiness and sweetness, while chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and toasty depth. A must bake for banana bread lovers who crave a little seasonal twist.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ¾ cups (245g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100g) brown sugar
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⅓ cup (80ml) maple syrup
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2 large eggs
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1 ¼ cups mashed bananas (3–4 ripe bananas)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ cup (60ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
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¾ cup (80g) walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
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⅓ cup (80ml) maple syrup (for glaze)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
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Add ⅓ cup maple syrup and beat for an additional minute.
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Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
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Add mashed bananas and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
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With mixer on low, add half of the dry ingredients, then yogurt, then remaining dry ingredients—mix just until combined.
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Gently fold in most of the nuts, reserving a few for topping.
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Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle reserved nuts on top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
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While bread is cooling on a rack, warm the remaining maple syrup. Slowly drizzle over the warm loaf, letting it soak in.
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Let bread cool completely before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: ~310 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
Maple Banana Bread: A Cozy Twist on a Timeless Classic
Few baked goods can rival the nostalgic comfort of banana bread. It’s simple, familiar, and always seems to hit the spot whether fresh out of the oven or lightly toasted with a pat of butter the next morning. But the Maple Banana Bread from Pretty Simple Sweet brings a new dimension to the classic loaf, infusing it with rich, caramel-like notes of maple syrup and a satisfyingly nutty crunch. This recipe blends tradition and creativity to create something both soul-warming and unique a perfect match for autumn mornings or cozy afternoons by the fireplace.
The Humble Origins of Banana Bread
To understand the charm of maple banana bread, we first need to acknowledge the deep roots of banana bread itself. This dish became popular in the United States during the Great Depression, when waste was not an option, and overripe bananas found new life in quick breads. With the rise of baking soda and baking powder, home bakers could whip up leavened treats without yeast leading to an explosion of quick bread variations, banana bread being chief among them.
What made banana bread endure through generations was its accessibility. It’s made with pantry staples, requires no fancy techniques, and welcomes additions like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices with open arms. Every family seems to have their own go-to version, and the possibilities are nearly endless.
Elevating a Classic with Maple Syrup
Pretty Simple Sweet’s Maple Banana Bread adds a warm and woodsy twist to the traditional loaf by incorporating maple syrup not just into the batter, but also as a glaze on top. The dual use of maple syrup is what sets this recipe apart. Inside the loaf, it deepens the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, complementing their fruity flavor with maple’s amber richness. Once baked, a warm drizzle of syrup seeps into the bread, enhancing both taste and moisture.
This final touch the maple glaze is what transforms a simple loaf into a showstopper. As it soaks into the warm crust, it leaves behind a slightly sticky, glazed top, which, when paired with crunchy walnuts or pecans, creates a perfect balance of textures: moist and fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp and sticky on the outside.
Flavor Profile and Texture
What makes this loaf a standout is its exceptional texture. Thanks to the use of softened butter and yogurt (or sour cream), the bread bakes up tender, airy, and moist without being overly dense. It has that melt-in-your-mouth quality you look for in any great banana bread, made even more irresistible with a slightly caramelized edge from the maple topping.
The flavor is gentle yet layered. The bananas offer their familiar fruity sweetness, but it’s the maple syrup that steals the show. It brings out warm, toasty undertones that harmonize beautifully with the nuts and hint at fall spices, even though the recipe doesn’t call for any. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels comforting and indulgent without going over the top.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
While this bread is delightfully simple to make, a few thoughtful tips can ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
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Use overripe bananas: The blacker the bananas, the better the flavor. They contribute moisture and sweetness, which helps balance the more robust maple.
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Don’t skip creaming the butter and sugar: This step aerates the batter, contributing to the loaf’s light texture.
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Let the glaze sink in while the bread is warm: For optimal absorption and richness, drizzle the maple syrup while the bread is still slightly hot. If needed, poke a few small holes on top to help it soak in deeper.
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Cover with foil mid-bake: To prevent over-browning, loosely tent the loaf with foil about halfway through baking. This ensures an even, golden crust without drying out the interior.
Customize to Your Taste
One of the most enjoyable things about banana bread is how easy it is to personalize, and this version is no exception. While it’s wonderful as written, you can absolutely make it your own.
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Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are classics, but almonds or even hazelnuts work beautifully. Toasting them before adding elevates their flavor.
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Add spice: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can deepen the cozy vibes and enhance the maple-banana harmony.
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Chocolate lovers: Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips to create a richer, dessert-worthy loaf.
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Make it gluten-free: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend substitutes well here. Readers have also reported success using coconut sugar in place of brown sugar.
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Go dairy-free: Swap the butter for coconut oil and the yogurt for a dairy-free version or mashed avocado for a wholesome twist.
How to Serve Maple Banana Bread
Maple banana bread is as versatile in its serving options as it is in its customization. A thick slice is perfect on its own, slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Add a little butter, or go gourmet with a smear of mascarpone or cream cheese. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a sweet-savory contrast.
It also makes an impressive gift or potluck contribution. Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment, tie it with string, and you’ve got a handmade treat that looks as good as it tastes. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, teacher appreciation gifts, or just because.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
One of the best features of this maple banana bread is how well it stores. In fact, it gets better the next day. Letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to mingle and the bread to become even more moist.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for five. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Slice the loaf before freezing and wrap individual pieces for a ready-to-go treat whenever the craving hits. Just thaw on the counter or pop into the toaster for a quick refresh.
Why Maple Banana Bread Is the Ultimate Fall Bake
There’s something unmistakably autumnal about maple syrup. It conjures images of golden leaves, flannel blankets, and Sunday morning breakfasts. Combine that with the cozy charm of banana bread, and you’ve got a loaf that practically begs to be baked in a sweater-weather kitchen.
Maple banana bread is more than a seasonal variation it’s a reminder that even the most familiar recipes can be made new again with just a few thoughtful additions. It’s easy enough for everyday baking, yet special enough to serve at a gathering. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility makes it accessible to all kinds of eaters, from gluten-free households to those just looking to add something special to their breakfast table.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a banana bread purist or a flavor adventurer, this maple-glazed version from Pretty Simple Sweet delivers the best of both worlds. It preserves the nostalgic warmth of the original while adding layers of sweetness and texture that elevate it into something truly memorable.
With its moist crumb, maple kissed crust, and nutty crunch, Maple Banana Bread is a treat that feels homemade in the best possible way comforting, thoughtful, and irresistibly delicious. Bake it once, and it just might become your new favorite loaf.