Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon espresso powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

I absolutely love a good banana bread, and when I decided to add espresso to the mix, I was blown away by the results! This Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe is not just any typical banana bread; it combines the rich taste of ripe bananas with the bold punch of coffee. The buttery texture and delightful aroma wafting from the oven while it's baking are unmistakable. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful treat during the day, this recipe will become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:13:34.666Z

When I first experimented with adding espresso to my banana bread, I was taken aback by how well it complemented the sweetness of the bananas. The coffee flavor isn’t overpowering; instead, it enhances the overall taste, making every bite indulgent. I suggest adding a spoonful of instant coffee if you want a deeper espresso experience.

I've made this recipe a handful of times, tweaking it with different nuts and chocolate chips. Each variation is delicious, but I find the banana and espresso combination is truly something special. The key is to ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich banana flavor with a surprising espresso twist
Moist texture with a perfect crumb
Great for breakfast or as a coffee break treat

Understanding Ingredients and Their Roles

Each component of this Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect loaf. Ripe bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, making the bread rich and flavorful. The melted butter contributes to a tender crumb, while the espresso powder enhances the depth of taste without overpowering the banana's natural flavor. Consider using high-quality espresso for the best results; it can make all the difference in flavor clarity.

When it comes to the choice of sugar, granulated white sugar is a staple for sweetness and structure, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a slightly caramelized flavor. If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar can also be effective, although this may alter the bread’s texture slightly.

Mastering the Baking Technique

To ensure the banana bread has a perfect rise and a tender slice, mixing techniques matter. It's crucial to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to a tough loaf. You should still have some lumps in the batter; this means it will result in a moist and airy texture when baked. Also, don't forget to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy; ovens can sometimes run hotter or cooler than displayed.

Baking time can vary based on your oven and the humidity in your kitchen. While the recipe suggests 60 minutes, start checking for doneness at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the edges seem to darken too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious banana bread with an espresso kick:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delectable banana bread with espresso:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the vanilla extract and espresso powder.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, sugar, and flour.

Combine wet and dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips if desired.

Pour and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread while warm with butter or your favorite spread!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. You can also try adding a touch of cinnamon for an extra warm flavor.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its moisture. If you store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature, it should last for about 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil. This way, you can enjoy a piece whenever you crave that espresso-infused flavor.

Serve this banana bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to enhance its richness. For an indulgent twist, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with your coffee!

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to add your own personal touch to this recipe. Incorporating shredded coconut or dried fruit can elevate flavor while providing different textures. You might also substitute the walnuts or chocolate chips with your favorite nuts or seeds. If you're looking to reduce the amount of fat, consider replacing half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce; this will yield a slightly different texture but keep the bread moist.

For a unique spin, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth. You could also try swapping the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly if using whole grain flours.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them and drain excess moisture before mashing.

→ What can I substitute for espresso powder?

You can use instant coffee or omit it altogether, but the flavor will differ.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add other flavors?

Certainly! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the taste.