There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. When I first experimented with olive oil in this classic recipe, I was delightfully surprised by how moist and flavorful it turned out. With ripe bananas lending their natural sweetness and a touch of Greek yogurt adding a creamy richness, this Olive Oil Banana Bread is a deliciously unique treat that’s perfect any time of day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of hands-on time, making it an easy choice for busy days. And if you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve included variations like chocolate chip or blueberry banana bread that will impress and satisfy any palate. So, grab those ripe bananas and let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade comfort!
Why Choose Olive Oil Banana Bread?
Irresistible aroma: Picture the sweet scent of baking banana bread filling your home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Moist texture: Thanks to olive oil and Greek yogurt, this bread is exceptionally tender and rich.
Healthy twist: With nutritious olive oil and fresh bananas, it’s a guilt-free treat perfect for any meal.
Quick prep: In just 15 minutes of easy prep, you can indulge in this delicious bread, saving you precious time.
Versatile flavors: With options like chocolate chip or blueberry variations, you can delight your taste buds endlessly.
Crowd-pleasing: This decadent banana bread is sure to impress family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings.
Olive Oil Banana Bread Ingredients
• A delightful blend for a moist treat!
For the Batter
- Ripe Bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; use well-mashed ripe bananas for the best results.
- Light Olive Oil – Provides moisture and a subtle flavor; avoid extra virgin olive oil as it may overpower the taste.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – Contributes creaminess and helps keep the bread moist; can substitute with more light olive oil if not available.
- Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness; ensure they are not extra-large or jumbo.
- White Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread; can be substituted with light brown sugar for a different flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the bread.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor beautifully.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Leavening agents that help the bread rise.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate Chips – Swap for a sweet twist in your Olive Oil Banana Bread.
- Walnuts – Add a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Blueberries – For a fruity variation that brightens up each slice.
- Spices (Cinnamon or Nutmeg) – Introduce a warm depth of flavor for a cozy touch.
How to Make Olive Oil Banana Bread
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. This temperature gives the bread a nice rise while creating a beautiful golden crust.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl until they’re just combined. This helps to ensure a fluffy texture in your bread.
- Combine the mashed bananas, light olive oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is creamy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the bread’s tender crumb.
- Pour the batter into a nonstick 9×5-inch bread pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This ensures even baking and a lovely finish!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating a moist, fluffy loaf.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This cooling period helps maintain the bread’s moisture and improves the flavor development.
Optional: Serve with a spread of butter for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Olive Oil Banana Bread?
Imagine enjoying a slice of banana bread that’s still warm from the oven, with a cup of your favorite warm drink by your side.
- Creamy Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds a delightful, tangy contrast to the natural sweetness of the bread, creating a creamy experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like berries, citrus, or kiwi provide a refreshing burst of flavor and color, enhancing the wholesome vibe of the meal.
- Chai Tea Latte: The spicy warmth of chai tea harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of banana bread, making for a cozy afternoon pairing that’s hard to resist.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy granola on top or alongside your banana bread provides a satisfying texture contrast, rounding out your snack with extra nutrients.
- Butter and Honey: A smear of butter, drizzled with honey, brings a comforting, sweet richness that perfectly complements the moistness of the banana bread.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: When you add a few chocolate chips on the side, they melt into the warm bread offering a decadent touch, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Iced Coffee: The refreshing kick of iced coffee pairs well with the richness of the loaf, making every bite and sip refreshingly delightful.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve a warm slice of banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the melting ice cream creates a heavenly warm and cold sensation.
Expert Tips for Olive Oil Banana Bread
- Perfect Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to prevent dense bread. Use a spatula rather than a mixer to maintain a light texture in your olive oil banana bread.
- Pan Prep: Grease your bread pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal. A nonstick pan is ideal, but even a little olive oil can work wonders in preventing sticking.
- Storage Strategy: For freshness, store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
- Creative Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Folding in chocolate chips, nuts, or berries can elevate your olive oil banana bread and make it uniquely yours.
Olive Oil Banana Bread Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations that elevate your homemade banana bread into even more delicious snacks!
- Chocolate Chip: Swap half of the sugar for chocolate chips for a sweet, decadent touch that’ll please any chocolate lover.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a pleasant crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- Blueberry Bliss: Incorporate fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity burst of goodness that brightens each slice.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar into the batter for a warm, comforting flavor that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- Zesty Lemon: Mix in the zest of one lemon to add a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.
- Spicy Kick: Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a subtle spicy kick, taking the flavor profile in an exciting direction.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for an egg-free version that’s equally delicious.
- Granola Topping: Before baking, sprinkle granola on top of the batter for a crunchy finish that adds texture to your moist bread.
Make Ahead Options
These Olive Oil Banana Bread loaves are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mash the ripe bananas and mix them with olive oil, Greek yogurt, and sugar up to 24 hours in advance to save time. Simply store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can measure out the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) and keep them together in a separate container for easy access on baking day, ensuring they stay fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just combine everything, pour the batter into your pan, and bake as instructed. This approach allows you to enjoy homemade Olive Oil Banana Bread with minimal effort while maintaining its delicious, moist quality!
Storage Tips for Olive Oil Banana Bread
- Room Temperature: Store your olive oil banana bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist. Avoid exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. This ensures they stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, simply remove a slice from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm it in the microwave for a quick indulgence.
- Reheating: For optimal taste, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through, reviving that delightful aroma of freshly baked olive oil banana bread.
Olive Oil Banana Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas should I use?
Absolutely, you want to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots or are mostly brown, as these will be sweeter and easier to mash, resulting in a tastier bread.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
I recommend keeping your olive oil banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its delightful moisture and texture. If you notice it starting to dry out, you can always pop a slice into the microwave for a few seconds for a quick fix!
Can I freeze olive oil banana bread?
Yes, it freezes wonderfully! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw a slice at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm it in the microwave for a quick treat.
What if my batter is too dense?
If you notice that your batter is dense, it might be due to overmixing. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Also, ensuring your leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) are fresh is crucial, as they help create a lovely rise in your olive oil banana bread.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! This recipe is egg-based and contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, if you’re looking for egg substitutes, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. For a gluten-free alternative, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour, and this should work beautifully to keep your olive oil banana bread moist and delicious.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your olive oil banana bread is ready! If raw batter clings to the toothpick, it needs a little more time in the oven. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
Moist Olive Oil Banana Bread That's Simply Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl until just combined.
- Combine the mashed bananas, light olive oil, Greek yogurt, eggs, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a nonstick 9x5-inch bread pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.