Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon espresso powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Golden Ideas

I absolutely love experimenting with classic recipes, and this Banana Bread with Espresso Flavor has become a household favorite! The combination of ripe bananas and rich espresso creates a profoundly delightful taste that elevates the traditional banana bread experience. I find that the espresso not only enhances the flavor but also gives it a wonderful aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:06:35.020Z

When I first made this banana bread with espresso, I was curious about how the flavors would meld together. Initially, I was skeptical, but as soon as it came out of the oven, the aroma convinced me I was on to something special. The deep, rich coffee essence complements the sweet, soft bananas beautifully.

One of my favorite tips I've discovered is to use espresso beans for an extra punch of flavor—grind them fresh for the best results! This little touch makes a noticeable difference in the overall depth of flavor in the bread.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor intricately combined with bold espresso.
Perfectly moist texture that stays fresh for days.
Easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment.

      

The Role of Espresso

Espresso powder adds depth and complexity to this banana bread, enhancing the natural sweetness of the ripe bananas. The rich, robust flavor of espresso contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the bread, making each bite an indulgence. It's important to use high-quality espresso powder for the best results; I recommend brands that use 100% Arabica beans, as they provide a smoother flavor profile.

In addition to its flavor, espresso powder also contributes to the bread's aroma, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent while it bakes. If you happen to be sensitive to caffeine, you can easily substitute the espresso powder with decaffeinated alternatives, maintaining the depth of flavor without the jitters.

Texture Tips

The key to a perfectly moist banana bread lies in the ripeness of your bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; the more overripe, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. I recommend mashing the bananas until smooth, as this will help them integrate better with the other ingredients, leading to a tender crumb.

Be cautious not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mixing just until everything is incorporated will ensure your banana bread stays fluffy and light. Overmixing can introduce too much gluten, resulting in a denser loaf that lacks the preferred moist and tender texture.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It can last for up to five days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or snacking. If you want to keep it for an extended period, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It will maintain its quality for up to three months in the freezer.

For serving, this banana bread can be enjoyed plain, but you might consider adding a spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. Additionally, to take it up a notch, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a strong cup of coffee, highlighting the espresso notes beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious banana bread:

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and flour.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread with espresso flavor warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter alternative to butter, consider using unsweetened applesauce in equal measure. This will yield a moist banana bread with fewer calories and fat. However, bear in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor profile, resulting in a less rich taste, so you might want to amp up the espresso for balance.

For those needing a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be certain it contains xanthan gum, which will help with the texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread sinks in the middle, this may happen due to overmixing or too much leavening agent. Ensure you measure your baking soda correctly, and mix just until combined to prevent too much air from being incorporated into the batter.

To achieve a golden-brown crust, ensure your oven is properly calibrated, as inaccurate temperatures can affect baking times and outcomes. If the top is browning too quickly, consider covering it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Delicious Variations

For a delightful twist, try adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter before baking. This adds a satisfying crunch and additional flavor that pairs beautifully with the espresso and banana.

Another variation could be incorporating chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Choose dark chocolate chips to complement the espresso's boldness, and fold them in gently to avoid disrupting the batter's texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaffeinated espresso?

Yes! Decaf espresso will work perfectly in this recipe.

→ How can I store the banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. It can be stored for up to three months.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat!