There is something truly magical about the Avocado Banana Bread Recipe that saves the classic banana bread from being just “okay” to an absolute showstopper. The creamy avocado adds a subtle richness and moistness, elevating every bite to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience while keeping things delightfully wholesome. This loaf is easy to make, packed with natural sweetness, and offers a gorgeous greenish hue that makes it feel like a special treat you want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Avocado Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays a crucial role: from ripe bananas’ natural sweetness to the avocado’s creamy texture, these components create a harmony of flavor and perfect bread crumb.
- Granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
- Ripe avocados: The star ingredient that replaces butter or oil, providing healthy fats and moistness with a smooth texture.
- Overripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness and a pleasant fruity aroma that’s essential for any banana bread.
- Large eggs: Act as the binder to hold everything together and give the bread structure.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness to the crumb.
- Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give the bread a light, airy texture and helps it rise beautifully.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes sure your bread is fluffy, not dense.
- All-purpose flour (or a mix with whole wheat): Provides the structure your bread needs to hold its shape.
- Optional chocolate chips or nuts: Add a fun twist with extra texture and flavor for those who like a little something special.
How to Make Avocado Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even temperature for the bread to rise and bake perfectly. Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper, so the bread comes out without sticking. A little prep here makes the finishing steps so much easier.
Step 2: Mash the Avocados and Mix with Sugar
Grab a food processor or blender and puree the avocados until they’re silky smooth. This creamy base helps replace fats like butter in traditional recipes, creating a tender texture. Transfer the mashed avocado into a large bowl and add the sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix until combined. Watching the sugar dissolve into the avocado is so satisfying!
Step 3: Blend the Bananas and Wet Ingredients
Next, throw your peeled bananas, eggs, milk, vinegar, and baking soda into your blender or food processor. Blend until everything forms a smooth, silky mixture. This step ensures even distribution of all the wet ingredients, making sure your bread bakes evenly with a consistent crumb.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures with Flour Carefully
Pour half of your banana mixture into the avocado and sugar bowl. Add one cup of flour and fold gently until combined, taking care not to overmix. Then, add the remaining banana mixture and second cup of flour, mixing just until the flour disappears. Overworking the batter can lead to a tough bread, so gentle hands here are key.
Step 5: Add Your Chocolate Chips or Nuts (If Using)
This is where you can get creative. Fold in your chocolate chips or nuts with care so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. These add-ins are totally optional but add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture that really make this bread feel extra special.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For that extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips or nuts on top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Letting it cool completely before cutting helps it set perfectly, giving you those clean slices everyone loves.
Step 8: Wrap Up and Store
Wrap your cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated to last longer. For those who want to savor every last bite over time, freezing is a great option too!
How to Serve Avocado Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish. For a decadent twist, spread a layer of cream cheese or nut butter on warm slices – it’s a game changer that pairs beautifully with the subtle avocado flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this bread alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a light brunch, it pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or Greek yogurt, balancing the richness of the bread with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into small cubes and serving it as part of a breakfast board featuring nuts, cheeses, and fresh berries. You can also toast individual slices and top them with smashed avocado, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a pinch of sea salt for a savory-savvy treat that uses the same beautiful ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover avocado banana bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature when wrapped well. Keeping it in an airtight container helps maintain moisture. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerating is a smart choice and prolongs the freshness for up to a week.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap each loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. It’s an easy way to have a homemade treat ready to go anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven to restore that fresh-baked warmth. For a quicker option, microwave slices for 15 to 20 seconds, just until warmed through. Add a bit of butter or nut butter on top for that irresistible melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Avocado Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending. This will keep your batter from becoming too runny.
Is this bread vegan?
The recipe as provided uses eggs, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute flax eggs or chia eggs in place of regular eggs to make a delicious vegan version.
Can I substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or honey can be used instead of granulated sugar. Reduce the milk slightly to keep the batter from getting too wet, and enjoy a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Why is vinegar included in the recipe?
Vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the bread rise and become fluffy. It adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness and richness of the avocado and bananas.
Can I use almond flour or gluten-free flour?
While it’s possible, swapping regular flour for almond or gluten-free flour may alter the texture significantly. If you want to try, look for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquids as needed for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a banana bread recipe that surprises you with its creaminess, natural richness, and subtle but unforgettable flavor, the Avocado Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, wholesome, and absolutely crowd-pleasing, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy this green-powered twist on a beloved classic!
PrintAvocado Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Avocado Banana Bread that combines ripe avocados and bananas for a naturally sweet and tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, this recipe includes optional chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe avocados (mashed)
- 2–3 overripe bananas (peeled)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
Optional
- ½ cup chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Avocados and Mix with Sugar: In a food processor or blender, mash the avocados until smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the sugar. Use a hand mixer to combine until smooth and well incorporated.
- Blend Banana Mixture: In the same food processor or blender, add the peeled bananas, eggs, milk, vinegar, and baking soda. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour half of the banana mixture into the avocado-sugar mixture. Add 1 cup of flour and mix gently until just combined. Then add the remaining banana mixture and the second cup of flour, mixing carefully to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in chocolate chips or nuts to add extra flavor and texture.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or nuts on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Store Properly: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend its shelf life or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
- Avocados add healthy fats and help keep the bread moist.
- Optional chocolate chips or nuts enhance flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler loaf.
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.