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Starbucks-style banana bread slices with walnuts on a white plate, moist and golden brown

Starbucks Banana Bread (Copycat)

A moist, bakery-style banana bread inspired by Starbucks, made with ripe bananas and optional walnuts. Perfect with coffee or as a quick breakfast slice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy
  • 1 tsp Baking soda Fresh for best rise
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Balances sweetness
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon Optional but Starbucks-style
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup Granulated sugar Provides sweetness
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar Adds moisture and depth of flavor
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Use pure vanilla if possible
  • 1/4 cup Milk Whole milk preferred
  • 3 medium Ripe bananas Well-mashed, brown-spotted bananas
  • 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts Optional, classic Starbucks touch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls One for dry ingredients, one for wet
  • Whisk For mixing batter smoothly
  • Spatula Use silicone or rubber for folding
  • Loaf pan (9x5 inch) Standard size for banana bread
  • measuring cup set For accurate liquid and dry measures
  • Measuring spoon set Needed for small quantities
  • cooling rack Helps bread cool evenly after baking
  • Oven Preheated before baking

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, mix melted butter and both sugars until smooth.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir well.
  5. Mix in mashed bananas.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and gently mix.
  7. Fold in walnuts if using.
  8. Pour batter into the loaf pan and level the top.
  9. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  10. Cool before slicing and serving.

Video

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the batter. This keeps the bread soft and tender.
  • For a Starbucks-style texture, bake at a lower temperature and avoid overbaking.
  • The flavor improves after resting for a few hours or overnight.
  • Walnuts are optional, but they match the classic Starbucks version closely.