Banana bread is the ultimate comfort bake—simple, satisfying, and packed with that irresistible banana flavour. But while the classic recipe is a household favourite, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, accommodating dietary restrictions, or just experimenting with new flavours, these five banana bread variations are worth a try.

In this post, I’ll walk you through five delicious takes on banana bread that you can easily make at home. Each one brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a handful of chocolate chips, a blend of warming spices, or a recipe tailored to specific dietary needs. Plus, I’ll link you back to my base banana bread recipe so you can build from there if you’re feeling adventurous!

---

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 125g (1 cup) plain flour
• 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 150g (1 cup) chocolate chips
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and eggs until fully combined.
3. Add the melted butter and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

---

2. Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 125g (1 cup) gluten-free flour blend
• 100g (½ cup) coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
• 125g (½ cup) coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs.
3. Add the melted coconut oil and whisk until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the centre.
8. Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

3. Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water (to create a flax ‘egg’)
• 125g (1 cup) all-purpose or whole wheat flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 100g (½ cup) coconut sugar
• 125g (½ cup) coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Make the flax ‘egg’ by mixing the flaxseed meal with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
3. Mash the bananas in a large bowl, then add the vanilla extract and flax ‘egg’ mixture.
4. Stir in the melted coconut oil and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

---

4. Low-Sugar or Keto Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (note: for strict keto, you may want to use fewer bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 150g (1 ½ cups) almond flour
• 50g (¼ cup) erythritol or low-carb sweetener
• 125g (½ cup) coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas and stir in the vanilla extract and eggs.
3. Add the melted coconut oil and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture and stir until just incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

5. Spiced Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs.
4. Add the melted butter and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

---

Bringing It All Together

Each of these banana bread variations offers something unique—whether it’s a chocolate-filled indulgence or a gluten-free solution, you’re bound to find a new favourite. The best part is you can easily customise them to your own taste or dietary needs by starting with my base banana bread recipe, which you can find [here]. It’s the perfect foundation for whatever flavours or adjustments you’re in the mood for.

---

FAQ

Can you put too much banana in banana bread?
Yes, adding too many bananas can make your banana bread overly dense and wet. The bread might not bake properly, resulting in a soggy centre. Stick to the recommended amount (usually 3 medium bananas) for the best texture and structure.

What types of banana bread are there?
There are many variations of banana bread, including classic, chocolate chip, gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar or keto, and spiced banana bread. You can also experiment with add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or other flavourings to create your own twist.

Is banana bread healthy to lose weight?
Banana bread is generally high in carbs and sugar, so it may not be the best choice if you’re aiming for weight loss. However, by using healthier ingredients like almond flour, natural sweeteners, and cutting down on added sugars, you can create a lighter version that fits better into a weight loss plan. Portion control is also key.

Is there such a thing as too ripe for banana bread?
Not really—bananas can’t get too ripe for banana bread. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavourful the bread becomes. Even if your bananas are blackened and mushy, they’re still perfect for baking. However, if they’ve developed mould or a fermented smell, it’s time to toss them.

---

For gluten-free flour blends, check out this resource on gluten-free baking. Curious about more vegan baking tips? Learn more here.