Soft, moist, naturally sweet, and packed with banana flavor, this Greek yogurt banana bread is the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. Greek yogurt adds extra moisture and protein while keeping the bread light and tender without needing lots of butter or oil.
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Ingredients
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 55–65 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 10 slices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | Approximately 220 per slice |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔ Extra moist from Greek yogurt
- ✔ Uses overripe bananas
- ✔ Less oil than traditional banana bread
- ✔ Perfect for breakfast or snacks
- ✔ Can be freezed
- ✔ Even beginners can made this easily.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Equipment Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or potato masher
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
See also: Fluffy Pancakes with Syrup Recipe – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Line with parchment paper for easier removal.
Time: 5 minutes
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- Peel the bananas.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash using a fork until mostly smooth.
A few small banana lumps are perfectly fine and add texture.
Time: 2–3 minutes
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add to the mashed bananas:
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Oil
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Time: 3 minutes
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl mix:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Stir until evenly distributed.
Time: 2 minutes
Step 5: Make the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Using a spatula:
- Fold gently
- Mix only until no dry flour remains
Important: Do not overmix.
Overmixing develops gluten and can make the bread dense.
If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Time: 3 minutes
Step 6: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Optional:
- Slice one banana lengthwise
- Place on top for a bakery-style appearance
Step 7: Bake
Bake for:
55–65 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
It should come out:
- Clean
- Or with a few moist crumbs
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Properly
- Remove from oven.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack.
- Cool for another 15–20 minutes.
Cooling helps the loaf set and improves slicing.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Serve:
- Warm
- Room temperature
- Lightly toasted
Delicious with:
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Fresh berries
- Greek yogurt
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
Use Very Ripe Bananas
The darker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into measuring cups and level it off.
Too much flour creates dry bread.
Don’t Overmix
Mix until ingredients are just combined.
Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Produces the richest and moistest texture.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
Walnut Banana Bread
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts.
Honey Banana Bread
Replace half the sugar with honey.
Cinnamon Swirl Version
Layer cinnamon sugar through the center before baking.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using.
Can I make it healthier?
You can substitute:
- Whole wheat flour for half the flour
- Honey for part of the sugar
- Coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
Why add Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt:
- Adds moisture
- Increases protein
- Creates a softer crumb
- Keeps bread fresh longer
About the Author
