Spiced Banana Bread Recipe That’s Moist and Delicious

Updated On: October 15, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This spiced banana bread recipe takes the classic treat to a whole new level by adding warm, fragrant spices that infuse every bite with cozy flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect breakfast companion, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this moist and tender loaf ticks all the boxes. Using ripe bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, this bread offers a delightful twist that’s both traditional and exciting.

Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also uses simple pantry staples and yields a loaf that stays fresh for days. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit.

If you’ve been searching for a banana bread recipe with a little extra warmth and complexity, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spiced banana bread is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves elevates the flavor, making it ideal for chilly mornings or cozy evenings.

It’s wonderfully moist, thanks to the ripe bananas and a touch of yogurt, ensuring every slice melts in your mouth.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s straightforward and quick, requiring just one bowl and minimal prep time.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how forgiving and adaptable this recipe is.

Plus, if you’re a fan of healthier baking, this recipe offers options to swap ingredients for a lighter loaf without sacrificing flavor. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Equipment

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls (one large for wet ingredients, one for dry)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher for mashing bananas
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky.
  3. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well to combine. This adds richness and moisture to the bread.
  4. Stir in the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
  7. If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips now for added texture and flavor.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For the best banana bread, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash more easily!”

  • Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt and butter substitutes.
  • Add texture: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut or dried cranberries for a chewy surprise.
  • Spice it up more: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
  • Reduce sugar: Cut brown sugar to 1/2 cup and add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
  • Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer preservation.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Slice (1/12th of loaf)
Calories 220
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 4.5g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 18g
Protein 3g
Sodium 190mg

Serving Suggestions

This spiced banana bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or your favorite nut butter spread. For a decadent treat, try it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or chai tea, enhancing the warm spice notes. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a vegan yogurt parfait.

Looking for more healthy and delicious recipes? Check out our Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning or try the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a light, refreshing side.

Conclusion

This spiced banana bread recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of banana bread with an inviting twist of warm spices. It’s perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even a comforting dessert.

The moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among family and friends, and the recipe’s simplicity means you can whip it up anytime without fuss.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with the suggested variations, this banana bread will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to try it with a spread of your favorite nut butter or a cup of tea for the ultimate comfort experience.

For more flavorful and wholesome recipes, explore our collection like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food. Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Spiced Banana Bread

Description: A moist and flavorful banana bread infused with warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT55M
Total Time: PT1H10M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas with melted butter.
  4. Add brown sugar and eggs, beat until combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stir until just combined.
  7. Mix in vanilla extract.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 34 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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