A warm, festive loaf that brings together the cozy spices of gingerbread and the moist, tender crumb of banana bread, this Gingerbread Banana Bread is perfect for holiday mornings or wintertime treats. Each slice delivers the classic sweetness of ripe bananas paired with rich molasses and aromatic spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This loaf is wonderfully soft, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It combines the nostalgic taste of gingerbread cookies with the comfort of banana bread. Whether you serve it plain, lightly dusted, or topped with frosting, it’s a versatile holiday staple. Plus, it stays moist for days and makes your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 large bananas)
• 3/4 cup soft brown sugar
• 1/3 cup mild-flavor olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Gingerbread spices:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth and runny. Measure out 1 1/2 cups.
3. Whisk in the olive oil, molasses, vanilla extract, brown sugar, salt, and all gingerbread spices until smooth.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Fold gently with a spatula until a cohesive batter forms.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
7. Cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack and cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or white spelt flour for a heartier texture.
• Replace molasses with maple syrup for a lighter-colored loaf with milder gingerbread flavor.
• Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
• Top with vanilla frosting, coconut cream frosting, chocolate frosting, or a simple glaze for decoration.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness and chew.

Storage/Reheating

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices or the whole loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with black spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, use an appropriate gluten-free flour blend measured cup-for-cup to replace all-purpose flour.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar by up to 25%, though the loaf will be less sweet and slightly drier.

Can I replace the molasses?

Yes, maple syrup can be used, though the loaf will lose some of its gingerbread depth.

Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil?

Coconut oil works, but ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent clumping.

Why did my banana bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using under-ripe bananas can lead to a dense texture.

Why is my loaf browning too quickly?

Tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking to protect the top.

How do I know the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add frosting?

Yes, this loaf pairs well with vanilla, coconut, chocolate frosting, or a simple glaze.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Bake in two loaf pans and adjust baking time as needed, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Banana Bread captures the essence of the holiday season while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. With warm spices, rich molasses, and naturally sweet bananas, it’s a festive twist on a classic favorite. Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a cozy treat alongside a hot drink—it’s sure to become a seasonal staple.

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