There’s something magical about banana bread — it’s warm, comforting, and smells like home. But when you add pure maple syrup, it becomes irresistible. This Maple Banana Bread recipe takes the classic loaf you love and gives it a sweet, cozy upgrade. Every slice is soft, moist, and rich with maple flavor — perfect for breakfast, dessert, or that afternoon coffee break.
Learn more about creative loaf variations in our Dark Chocolate Chip Raspberry Banana Bread — a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Maple Banana Bread Is So Special
The Magic of Maple and Banana
Maple syrup and banana were simply made for each other. The caramel-like sweetness of maple brings out the natural richness of ripe bananas, making each bite perfectly balanced. Unlike white sugar, maple syrup adds moisture and depth that you can taste in every crumb.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This recipe is beginner-friendly, made with simple pantry ingredients, and comes together in just over an hour. You don’t need fancy tools — just a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, and a love for baking. The result? A golden loaf that’s slightly crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients for the Best Maple Banana Bread
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | 3 large | Sweetness & texture |
| Pure Maple Syrup | ½ cup | Signature maple flavor |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups | Structure & softness |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | Helps it rise |
| Eggs | 2 large | Binding & richness |
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | ½ cup | Moisture & flavor |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup | Warm caramel note |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Mini chocolate chips (see our Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread for inspiration)
How to Make Maple Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth. The darker and softer the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, pure maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. This ensures even flavor distribution.
Step 5: Fold Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing makes the bread dense — a few streaks of flour are fine.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Slice while warm and enjoy the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Use Very Ripe Bananas
Spotty bananas bring out maximum sweetness and flavor.
Don’t Overmix
Mix gently to keep your loaf light and fluffy.
Try New Add-Ins
Fold in toasted nuts or chocolate chunks for extra texture.
Don’t miss our fudgy Brownie Bread for another rich twist.
Storage & Freezing Tips
Storing
Once cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It stays fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Freezing
Slice the loaf and wrap pieces individually before freezing. Reheat by toasting or microwaving for a few seconds — it tastes freshly baked!
Fun Variations
Maple Pecan Banana Bread
Add chopped pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a nutty flavor boost.
Healthy Maple Banana Bread
Swap butter for coconut oil and use whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Maple Pumpkin Banana Bread
Add pumpkin purée for an autumn twist — or try our cozy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread for seasonal flavor inspiration.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Cold Ingredients
Use room-temperature butter and eggs to help your batter mix evenly.
Rushing the Cooling Time
Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes perfect, clean cuts.
FAQs
Can I make Maple Banana Bread without pure maple syrup?
Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re out, use honey or agave, but expect a slightly different taste.
How do I keep Maple Banana Bread moist?
Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to four days or freeze for later.
Why did my Maple Banana Bread turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or using old baking soda can make the loaf heavy. Mix just until combined for a soft, light crumb.
Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Conclusion
There you have it — a moist, maple-sweet loaf that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a cozy weekend, or simply because you have ripe bananas lying around, this Maple Banana Bread will hit the spot every time.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread next, or browse more delicious bakes at freshrecips.com.
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Maple Banana Bread: The Best Homemade Recipe for Sweet, Moist Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Description
This Maple Banana Bread is irresistibly soft, moist, and rich with real maple flavor. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and mashed ripe bananas, this loaf bakes up golden and tender — perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert. The hint of maple extract takes it over the top!
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
2 ripe bananas, mashed (leave a few chunks for texture)
½ teaspoon maple extract (optional but enhances flavor)
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons white sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and maple syrup. Beat in the egg and mashed bananas. Stir in maple extract and milk until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just moistened. Avoid overmixing — it makes the bread dense.
Add Topping: Mix chopped walnuts and white sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the batter for a sweet, crunchy top.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with plant milk for a dairy-free version.
Wrap leftover slices tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Optional: Add chocolate chips or extra nuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: American
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 165 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg
Keywords: Maple Banana Bread, banana bread recipe, maple syrup loaf, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread
