This Gingerbread Banana Bread can be part of breakfast, snack time, or served as dessert! It’s moist, chocolatey, and hits the spot every time. Your family will love this Gingerbread Banana Bread!
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I think I’m a banana bread expert at this point. Lately, I have been making this Gingerbread Banana Bread every other week on average. My husband LOVES it and it’s one of those recipes we never tire of. I’m not big on nuts in my baked goods, but I am a massive fan of chocolate chips in my baked goods! If you prefer banana-nut bread, feel free to swap the chocolate chips for walnuts!
In this recipe, I use my salt-free Gingerbread spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Gingerbread seasoning on the market. But you can always swap this for plain cinnamon or come up with a Gingerbread spice blend at home! (P.S. – I have the Gingerbread seasoning in hand and I will get it posted this week!!)
In this post, we will cover all things banana bread and unlock the best Gingerbread Banana Bread Recipe!
This post is all about Gingerbread Banana Bread!
Banana Bread Ingredient Breakdown
If you want to make a perfectly moist banana bread, look no further. Let’s break down what all of these ingredients bring to the banana bread table:
Bananas
Overripe bananas are a key ingredient. Lucky for me, I overbuy bananas at the store so this is the perfect way to give those leftover bananas a second life.
They provide sweetness, moisture, and flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be. Bananas contain starches that break down into sugars during ripening, contributing to the sweetness.
Flour
All-purpose flour is commonly used. It provides structure through the formation of gluten when mixed with liquid. For tender banana bread, avoid overmixing to minimize gluten development.
Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention. Sugar also aids in browning and caramelization and enhances the flavor!
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder and provide structure due to their protein content. They also contribute to the bread’s moistness and help it rise.
Butter
Fat is essential for moisture. Butter adds rich flavor, while oil can result in a moister crumb due to its liquid form at room temperature. I opt for butter because butter in baked goods is always the answer in my opinion!
Leavening Agents
Baking soda and/or baking powder are used to make the bread rise. Baking soda requires an acid, such as the acidity in bananas, to activate it.
Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread and balances the sweetness.
Spices and Flavorings
Finally, add depth of flavor with vanilla extract and my Gingerbread Seasoning!
Equipment Needs
KITCHENAID WITH PADDLE ATTACHMENT
I know, I know. KitchenAids are expensive. And honestly, it’s not 100% necessary if you don’t think you will be getting enough use out of it. You could do this recipe with a handheld electric mixer (like the one below). However, I know that the investment is worthwhile for me (and a lot of people) because of how often I use it. Click here to shop the KitchenAid I recommend.
If you have been on the fence about getting one, this is your sign to just do it. I recommend going with the 5-quart because it’s the largest option and honestly, go big or go home right? If you cook like me, It’s better to have too much room rather than double the work because I have to work in batches. You feel me?!
All KitchenAids come with whisk, paddle, and hook attachments. You can always add other accessories later as you find a need for them. OR make sure you put it on your Christmas list (we got ours off of our wedding registry!!). Plus, there’s always the option to wait for them to go on sale!
HANDHELD ELECTRIC MIXER
You can also make gingerbread banana bread with a handheld electric mixer. If you ever make cakes (even out of the box!), odds are you already have one of these on hand. But, if you are looking for an upgrade, here are my recommendations:
- Affordable Corded ($30): click here for my favorite
- Bougie Cordless ($85): click here for my favorite
- Affordable Cordless ($40-50): click here for my favorite
Other equipment needs
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Store & Reheat
Store
To retain moisture, store the banana bread in an airtight container. You can also place a slice of bread or a moist paper towel inside the container to help maintain moisture.
Room Temp: This recipe can be stored at room temperature for 4 days. Slice and enjoy at room temperature.
Fridge: Or you can store the banana bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheat
Microwave: Microwave the banana bread for 15-30 seconds. It should be warm, not scalding!
Oven: If you want to reheat the entire loaf, place it in the oven on warm (170 degrees F) for 15 minutes or until heated through. This is a great option for a party. But remember, it is just as delicious at room temperature!
Gingerbread Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 4-5 overripe bananas
- 1 stick melted butter, cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Gingerbread Spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 ℉ Spray a bread pan with non-stick spray (or grease with butter).
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer, mix the bananas until mostly smooth (they can have a few lumps).
- Add in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium until everything is well incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking soda, Gingerbread spice, and salt. Mix on low for about 1 minute and increase speed to medium for about 30 seconds or until everything is well incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
- Pour batter into your greased pan and bake for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Store & Reheat
Store
Store the banana bread in an airtight container to retain moisture. You can also place a slice of bread or a moist paper towel inside the container to help maintain moisture. Room Temp: This recipe can be stored at room temperature for 4 days. Slice and enjoy at room temperature. Fridge: Or you can store the banana bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Reheat
Microwave: Microwave the banana bread for 15-30 seconds. It should be warm, not scalding! Oven: If you want to reheat the entire loaf, place it in the oven on warm (170 ℉) for 15 minutes or until heated through. This is a great option for a party. But remember, it is just as delicious at room temperature!This post was all about Gingerbread Banana Bread!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
Want to learn more about Kelsey? Click here to read her story!
