If you are looking to elevate your banana bread game, this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to create a loaf that is incredibly moist, tender, and full of flavor. The touch of vanilla and a handful of nuts or chocolate chips add that delightful complexity you didn’t even know you craved. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert, and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe shine. From the flour providing structure to the bananas infusing natural moisture and sweetness, every component contributes to the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the foundation, giving the bread its tender crumb but sturdy structure.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the Greek yogurt and bananas.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and extra moisture to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
- 3 very ripe, darkly specked bananas (about 1 1/2 cups), mashed well: The star ingredient, delivering natural sweetness and rich moisture.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or regular): Adds moisture, a slight tang, and helps keep the crumb tender and soft.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the bread its structure.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips: Optional, but these add texture and a delicious contrast to the soft bread.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave plenty of overhang on the long sides for easy lifting later. Give the parchment a light spray of cooking oil to make removal a breeze once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed so each slice delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. The Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and richness that sets this banana bread apart.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined. This keeps the bread tender and fluffy instead of tough. Fold in your choice of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for an extra hit of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes—check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cooled, use the parchment overhangs to lift the loaf out for easy slicing. This makes serving a delightfully mess-free experience!
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top or add a light spread of softened butter. For an indulgent touch, cream cheese or a smear of peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the subtle tang from the Greek yogurt.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe thick and serving it toasted with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Or turn it into a decadent dessert by layering slices with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a quick banana bread sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. This ensures that the moist, tender texture stays intact.
Freezing
If you want to save slices for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To warm up your banana bread, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds for a quick refresh. For a crispier edge and warm center, toast slices lightly in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?
While plain Greek yogurt is best for the subtle tang it adds, you can experiment with vanilla or honey-flavored yogurt. Just be mindful that flavored varieties might sweeten the bread more or slightly alter the flavor.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
Absolutely! You can use melted coconut oil, butter, or even applesauce for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that each substitution might change the texture or flavor slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use very ripe bananas with lots of dark brown speckles or even fully brown skins. This ensures they mash easily and infuse the bread with rich banana flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for better texture and follow the blend’s instructions for best results.
What is the purpose of Greek yogurt in this banana bread?
Greek yogurt adds moistness and a slight tang that brightens the flavor. It also contributes protein and helps create a tender crumb, making this banana bread uniquely soft and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe is a beautiful twist on a beloved classic, combining simplicity with a burst of flavor and texture you will crave. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you have ripe bananas sitting around. So grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a warm slice soon!
Print
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, creamy Greek yogurt, and a touch of vanilla. Enhanced with your choice of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, it provides a tender crumb and a balanced sweetness perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe, darkly specked bananas, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or regular)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang on the two long sides for easy removal, then grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chopped nuts, pecans, or chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Bake: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bread out of the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chopped nuts with chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
- Make sure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the banana bread tender and moist.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
