If you crave the cozy warmth of holiday spices paired with the comforting moistness of banana bread, then the Gingerbread Banana Bread is about to become your new favorite. This delightful loaf blends the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses with ripe bananas to create a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Every slice is like a hug in bread form, making it a wonderful treat whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast or a festive afternoon snack.

Gingerbread Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking a loaf full of character and warmth. Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Banana Bread recipe plays a crucial role, from building the tender crumb to infusing that unmistakable gingerbread flavor.

Cinnamon sugar: Adds a sweet, spicy crust to the pan that gives the bread a subtle crunch and aroma.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture, ensuring every bite stays tender.
Dark brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Offers deep caramel notes that complement the molasses perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant background.
Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise beautifully.
Mashed bananas (1 cup): Naturally sweeten the bread and contribute to its moist texture.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tenderness and a slight tang, balancing the spices and sweetness.
Molasses (1/4 cup): Injects classic gingerbread depth with a hint of robust molasses flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the loaf, creating a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise while keeping it light and fluffy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a signature gingerbread spice.
Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Delivers that essential spicy zing gingerbread is known for.
Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a nutty, slightly sweet spice note.
Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the other spices and deepens the flavor profile.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for the glaze, lending sweetness and a smooth finish.
Milk (5 teaspoons): Thins the glaze for easy spreading and a glossy top.
Holiday sprinkles: Optional, but perfect for adding a festive, colorful touch.

How to Make Gingerbread Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and lightly spray it with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking. Then, sprinkle cinnamon sugar all over the inside of the pan, tapping and turning it to coat evenly for a sweet, spiced crust on the finished bread.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This ensures your Gingerbread Banana Bread will have a wonderful moist crumb and a rich buttery base that carries all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Wet Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, and molasses. Be sure to beat these together until well combined. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moistness, the sour cream adds tenderness, and the molasses infuses that deep gingerbread character.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Spices

Gently stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and the blend of cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. The spices are the stars here, giving your bread its warm and inviting gingerbread flavor without overpowering the natural banana taste.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a long skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. This slow baking time helps develop a rich, fragrant loaf with a tender crumb.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then flip it out onto a wire rack or plate. While it cools completely, prepare a simple glaze by stirring powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Pour this over the top, spreading gently to cover the surface, and scatter holiday sprinkles on top if you want an extra festive finish.

How to Serve Gingerbread Banana Bread

Garnishes

Brighten your Gingerbread Banana Bread with garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. These little touches turn a humble loaf into a delightful centerpiece for any table.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside hot coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte to complement the warm spices. It also pairs beautifully with a side of creamy yogurt or a smooth cream cheese spread for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread into thick, rustic pieces and stack them on a wooden board for a charming brunch display. You could also toast slices and spread with butter or honey for a warm, melted treat that brings out the spice flavors even more vibrantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Gingerbread Banana Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf well in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months without losing its fantastic flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm them briefly in the toaster oven or microwave. This brings back a freshly baked warmth that makes it feel like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this Gingerbread Banana Bread?

Yes! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the bread’s natural flavors and moist texture.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and swap sour cream with coconut yogurt or a similar non-dairy alternative to keep the moisture and tang.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips make wonderful additions that add texture and richness to the Gingerbread Banana Bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a long skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached but no wet batter. This ensures the bread is cooked through but still moist.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly with multiple pans.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like savoring a slice of this delicious Gingerbread Banana Bread to bring warmth and comfort to any day. It’s a recipe that feels festive yet approachable, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. If you haven’t given it a try yet, grab those bananas and spices, and bake a batch that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma and joy.