A loaf of banana bread with a sliced banana baked into the top, on a white plate

17 banana bread recipes

Emily Marten

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Put overripe bananas to good use in our tempting banana bread recipes - from chocolate-studded loaf cakes to vegan and gluten-free options, too

Looking for ways to use up overripe bananas? There's arguably no better way than a freshly baked banana bread – repopularised during lockdown, this timeless bake never gets old and is best enjoyed with a tea or coffee for an afternoon or mid-morning treat.

Start with the classic banana bread, then discover our variations, including chocolate chip studded and chai-enhanced sponges – with vegan and gluten-free options, too. Now discover more baking recipes, vegan baking recipes and gluten-free baking recipes. Find even more banana recipes and more recipes for overripe bananas.

Classic banana bread

This classic banana loaf requires just six ingredients and is perfect for an easy teatime treat or breakfast snack. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas.

Sliced banana bread loaf

Vegan banana bread

Check out our moist vegan banana bread. This recipe is super moreish, easy to make and it goes perfectly with your morning tea.

Healthy banana bread

A healthy glug of maple syrup is the key to this wonderfully moist vegan banana bread, flavoured with both coconut oil and desiccated coconut.

Gluten-free banana bread

Flavoured with honey, vanilla and mixed spice, and studded with walnuts, this comforting banana bread is entirely gluten-free, though you'd never guess it.

Chocolate banana bread

This recipe combines classic flavours into one delicious chocolate banana loaf. It's a great way to use up overripe bananas and will be a hit with everyone. The added whisky gives it a grown-up twist.

Chocolate chip banana bread

For an exciting twist on everyone’s favourite bake, check out this banana bread topped with an indulgent chocolate sauce and caramelised bananas.

A banana and chocolate chip loaf cake on a white serving board, with a slice cut from the end

Spiced chai banana bread

This gently warming banana bread flavoured with black tea and spices (to mimic masala chai) is a wonderful spin on a classic.

A fresh sliced banana loaf

Banana and walnut loaf cake

This easy loaf cake will be ready in just over an hour and is perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

Banana Walnut Loaf Cake

Vegan banana loaf

Oat milk, tahini and super-ripe bananas keep this egg-free, dairy-free banana bread moist and moreish.

Vegan Banana Loaf Recipe from Restaurant Snackbar

Banana loaf with passion fruit frosting

Our take on the ever-popular banana loaf. Made with pecans and a tropical passion fruit frosting, this is a teatime treat to share with family and friends.

Banana Cake Recipe With Passion Fruit Icing

Sugar-free banana bread

We've used silken tofu in place of eggs in this vegan banana berry traybake which uses natural, unrefined sugars – wonderful served with dairy-free yogurt for a sweet breakfast or brunch.

A tray filled with chunks of banana and berry cake

Candied bacon banana bread

Check out our easy candied bacon banana bread recipe. The combination of crisp, salty bacon with dense banana bread is a winner. Try it toasted with butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent breakfast. Use overripe black bananas for the best result.

Banana Bread Recipe with Candied Bacon

Banana breakfast loaf

This banana and pecan loaf is a great healthy choice for breakfast if you need to grab something on the run. Made with wholemeal flour, it will keep your energy levels up until lunchtime.

banana breakfast loaf

Gluten-free banana and apricot loaf

This fruity earl grey tea loaf is a great way to use up any overripe bananas you have lying around. And the hazelnut streusel topping adds a lovely crunchy texture to the loaf - perfect for afternoon tea or with your next cuppa.

Gluten Free Banana and Apricot Loaf Recipe

Dulce de leche banana bread

Afternoon tea has a reputation for fussiness and recipes that need a lot of patience to make. These mini loaves are incredibly easy to make but still look elegant enough for the fanciest tea.

Dulce De Leche Banana Bread Recipe

Spiced pineapple and banana cake

With its tropical notes and subtle harissa heat, this cake serves up a big slice of holiday flavour, topped with a creamy icing. Don’t be scared of the harissa – the flavour mellows in the cooking.

Banana and Pineapple Cake Recipe

Peanut butter banana bread

It’s hard to improve on a classic banana bread but we think the peanut butter addition just edges it. A real nutty twist on everyone's favourite. Serve with your freshly brewed morning coffee.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Authors

Emily Marten headshot

Emily MartenDigital Content Producer

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