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Gingerbread Banana Bread

This gingerbread banana bread is the perfect combination of warm winter spices and sweet banana flavor. It’s packed with candied ginger, freshly grated ginger, and just a touch of molasses.

Gingerbread Banana Bread sliced on a cooling rack.

Gingerbread banana bread combines the warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread with the sweet and moist goodness of banana bread, creating a delightful mix of flavors!

I like to think of this banana bread as being the Christmas version of an old classic. In fact, that is how most of my banana bread recipes work.

Need a summer version of banana bread? Try my Coconut Rum Lime Glazed Banana Bread. Craving some springtime banana bread? Try my Carrot Cake Banana Bread. Want to travel back in time to spring 2020 when everyone was making things with sourdough bread? Try my Sourdough Discard Banana Bread.

But really, the deliciousness of gingerbread banana bread is the blend of spices, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the moist, comforting texture.

And it’s a flavorful and comforting treat that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. Even kids will love this bread!

Gingerbread Banana Bread sliced and stacked.

Ingredients for gingerbread banana bread

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Spices: cinnamon, all spice, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Kosher salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Molasses
  • Milk
  • Grated fresh ginger
  • Vanilla bean paste
  • Maple extract
  • Eggs
  • Mashed bananas
  • Crystalized ginger
Gingerbread Banana Bread sliced on a serving rack.

Tips for gingerbread banana bread

  1. Use Ripe Bananas:
    • The best bananas for banana bread are overripe ones with brown speckles on the skin. Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide a stronger banana flavor.
  2. Adjust Sugar Levels:
    • Depending on your preference and the ripeness of your bananas, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. Riper bananas add natural sweetness, so you may reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
  3. Don’t Overmix:
    • Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough banana bread. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten in the flour.
  4. Experiment with Flours:
    • We use regular all-purpose flour in this recipe but you could try white whole wheat or even a 1 for 1 gluten free flour.
  5. Add Nuts or Chocolate:
    • Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to the batter.
  6. Preheat the Oven:
    • Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the banana bread in. This ensures that it starts baking at the right temperature, helping with the overall rise and texture.
  7. Use the Toothpick Test:
    • To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the gingerbread banana bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready.
  8. Cool Properly:
    • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling too quickly can result in a collapsed or overly dense loaf.
Gingerbread Banana Bread sliced.

Storage and leftovers

You can store this bread covered and on the counter for up to 5 days.

If you want to strore your bread in the refridgerator it will last longer but can risk drying out.

One of my favorite ways to eat leftover banana bread is by spreading one side with butter and toasting it lightly in a skillet. It’s so cozy and delicious!

Gingerbread Banana Bread cut in half.

More gingerbread recipes

This gingerbread banana bread is the perfect combination of warm winter spices and sweet banana flavor. It's packed with candied ginger, freshly grated ginger and just a touch of molasses. You'll love how easy it is to make this flavorful quick bread! 

Gingerbread Banana Bread

This gingerbread banana bread is the perfect combination of warm winter spices and sweet banana flavor. It’s packed with candied ginger, freshly grated ginger and just a touch of molasses. You’ll love how easy it is to make this flavorful quick bread!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8 slices

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray, set aside.
  • In a medium size mixing bowl add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, kosher salt, and cloves. Whisk together to combine, and set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer add melted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses. Beat on medium heat until the mixture is combined, about 3 minutes.
  • Add in the milk, freshly grated ginger, vanilla bean paste, and maple extract. Mix to combine, about 1 minute.
  • Mix in eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  • Mix in mashed bananas.
  • With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour until just combined.
  • Fold in the diced crystallized ginger.
  • Add the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the middle of the bread is set and when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 452mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 443IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword banana bread, banana bread with ginger, gingerbread
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Gingerbread Banana Bread pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Jessica | The Novice Chef

Tuesday 25th of December 2018

all day every day! the kids love gingerbread this year!

Krista

Monday 17th of December 2018

I want to bake up some of this bread today! Looks yummy!

Dee

Monday 17th of December 2018

This looks amazing! My kids love banana bread, and this adds the perfect holiday twist!

Melanie Bauer

Sunday 16th of December 2018

Looks fantastic and yummy! Love the combinations of those flavors, so excited to try this!

Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)

Saturday 15th of December 2018

This is such a wonderful flavor mix! I love the gingerbread spices with banana. Genius!

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