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This Starbucks banana bread recipe is a moist, bakery-style copycat of the famous banana walnut loaf from Starbucks. Itโ€™s soft, slightly dense, packed with ripe banana flavor, and loaded with crunchy walnuts, just like the original.

If you love the ultra-moist texture and balanced sweetness of Starbucks banana bread, this homemade version recreates it perfectly, without the line or the price tag.

While youโ€™re here, check out more Starbucks copycat recipes like my Starbucks white chocolate mocha latte, Starbucks pumpkin muffin recipe, Starbucks banana muffin recipe, Starbucks sweet cream cold brew, and Starbucks salted caramel cold brew.

Moist Starbucks banana bread slice with walnuts showing dense bakery-style crumb

Why This Starbucks Banana Bread Copycat Works

  • Bakes tall with a dense, bakery-style crumb
  • Made with oil for that ultra-moist texture
  • Loaded with ripe bananas for bold flavor
  • Packed with walnuts for the classic Starbucks banana nut bread texture
  • Simple pantry ingredients โ€” no fancy techniques

Is This the Real Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe?

Starbucks does not publish their exact banana bread recipe, but this copycat version closely recreates the flavor, texture, and moisture of their famous banana walnut loaf. Many readers say it tastes even better than the original.

What Does This Starbucks loaf Taste Like?

Starbucks banana bread is ultra-moist, slightly dense, and rich in banana flavor. Warm hints of cinnamon add depth, while crunchy walnuts give it texture. Itโ€™s perfectly sweet โ€” not overpowering, which makes it ideal with coffee.

Starbucks banana walnut loaf sliced on parchment paper

Starbucks Banana Bread Ingredients vs. This Copycat

Starbucks banana walnut bread typically includes flour, sugar, oil, eggs, walnuts, and spices.

This homemade Starbucks banana bread recipe uses similar pantry staples but allows you to control the sweetness and customize mix-ins.

Ingredients for this Starbucks banana walnut bread

Ingredients including bananas, walnuts, oil, sour cream, and flour

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this quick bread. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

  • All-purpose flour- Provides structure. For a healthier option, use half whole wheat flour. ( just add an extra 2 tablespoons of sour cream!
  • Baking soda- This is the leavening agent that will help out quick bread to rise.
  • Salt- The salt will help balance out the sweetness of this bread.
  • Egg- Make sure to use eggs at room temperature for this recipe.
  • Granulated sugar or white sugar
  • Vegetable oil- You can also use canola oil, or olive oil but be aware that the olive oil will change up the flavors a little.
  • Sour cream- This will add extra moisture to our banana bread.
  • overripe bananas- Sweet bananas that are extra ripe are perfect to make tender banana bread with extra sweetness to it. Plus this is a delicious way to use up those extra ripe bananas that have been staring you down from the counter for the past week and a half.
  • Cinnamon- The hint of cinnamon will deepen the flavor level in this banana bread like no other!
  • Vanilla extract
  • Crunchy walnuts & pecans–  Use your favorite nuts, or omit for a nut-free version.
Copycat Starbucks banana bread loaf with walnut topping

How to make the starbucks banana nut bread recipe

This is how you can make the most perfect banana bread. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

  1. Preheat the oven and line your pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.
  3. In a large bowl whisk in the eggs and vegetable oil until combined.
  1. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix. The batter will be dry but donโ€™t worry.
  2. Add in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract mixture and mix to combine. Fold the nuts into the batter.
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan then top with the pecans.
  2. Bake in the oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Slice your cooled down into thick slices and enjoy this Starbucks recipe at home!

Looking for this recipe in Spanish, Italian, or German? Let me know in the comments!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread

  • ย Customize It: Add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or shredded coconut for fun variations.
  • Use Overripe Bananas: Spotty bananas are ideal for sweetness and moisture.
  • Donโ€™t Overmix: Overmixing leads to dense bread. Mix until just combined.
  •  Line Your Pan: Prevent sticking and ensure easy removal with parchment paper.

Storage & Freezing

  • Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or saran wrap and freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Banana Bread

  • Warm with a pat of butter. I love air frying mine so it’s a little toasty or even placing it in a toaster oven!
  • Toasted and topped with cream cheese or peanut butter.
  • As a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle.
  • Crumbled into yogurt or smoothie bowls for added texture.

Frequently asked questions โ€“ FAQ

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips?

Absolutely! Stir in ยฝ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The same ratios go for other mix-ins!ย 

Whatโ€™s the Best Way to Mash Bananas?

Use a fork or potato masher for chunky texture, or puree in a blender for a smoother batter.

How Many Calories Are in Starbucks Banana Bread?

One slice of Starbucks banana walnut bread contains about 420 calories. This homemade version allows you to adjust portion size and ingredients to fit your preferences.

Why Is Starbucks Banana Bread So Dense?

Starbucks banana bread has a slightly dense, bakery-style crumb because it uses oil instead of butter and is mixed gently to avoid excess air.

Slice of banana walnut loaf showing moist crumb and chopped nuts
5 from 35 votes

Starbucks banana bread recipe

This easy Starbucks banana bread tastes exactly like your favorite coffee shop treat and will cost you a fraction of the price.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
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Ingredients 
 

  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup walnuts divided
  • 1/3 cup pecans

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 325F then line a greased loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.
    2 cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon
  • In a large bowl whisk in the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
    1 egg, 1 cup white sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix. The batter will be dry but don’t worry.
  • Add in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract mixture and mix to combine. Fold in 1/3 cup of walnuts and 1/3 cup of pecans in the batter.
    3 tbsp sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 ripe bananas, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/3 cup pecans
  • Pour the batter into a loaf pan then top with the leftover walnuts.
  • Bake in the oven for 75 minutes of until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at the one-hour mark.
  • Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and allowing it to cool completley on a cooling rack.
  • Slice your cooled down into thick slices and enjoy this Starbucks recipe at home!

Nutrition

Calories: 421Calories | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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5 from 35 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Caroline R Salzman says:

    5 stars
    I eat a lot of banana bread from Starbucks and I have to say this was like by far the closest

    1. Chahinez Tabet Aoul says:

      This literally means the world!! so glad you think so :)!!