Some mornings are just made for slow beginnings, when the world outside is still blurry and the smell of something baking feels like a gentle hug. Maple banana bread fits right into those moments, offering a simple comfort that’s both nourishing and a little indulgent without being over the top.

I remember the first time I tried this version—it was a chilly Saturday, and the scent of maple syrup mingling with ripe bananas was almost distracting in the best way. I wasn’t paying full attention and almost forgot the timer, but that golden crust was worth every second of the wait. The bread came out moist, tender, and just sweet enough to make me reach for a second slice before I even finished the first. It’s the kind of treat that feels homemade, imperfect in the best way, with a few crumbs left behind on the counter because I couldn’t resist sneaking bites while it cooled.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, so you get that rich, deep flavor without relying on refined sugar.
The texture is moist and tender, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack that doesn’t feel heavy.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, no fancy ingredients, just comfort in loaf form.
Using ripe bananas means you’re reducing food waste and turning them into something delicious.
It takes about an hour to bake, which is just enough time to enjoy a slow morning or tackle a few small tasks while it works its magic.

Even if you’re not usually a banana bread fan, this one’s worth a try because it doesn’t taste overly banana-y or overly sweet. It’s more like a quiet, cozy flavor that doesn’t shout but invites you to relax with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Maple Banana Bread

Print Recipe

A moist and flavorful banana bread sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 slices

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a simple loaf pan and don’t fuss with fancy equipment—just something that holds the batter well and lets the bread bake evenly. This bread pairs beautifully with just a smear of butter or a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent. If you want to mix things up, I’ve thought about adding chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips, but honestly, it’s great as is. Sometimes, I’ve swapped the vanilla for a splash of cinnamon, though I haven’t tested that one thoroughly. For a lighter touch, replacing half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat can add a bit of earthiness, but it does change the texture slightly.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this banana bread? A: Yes, it freezes well wrapped tightly and can be thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Not as written, but you might experiment with gluten-free flour blends; just be mindful that texture can vary.

Q: How do I know when it’s fully baked? A: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.

Give this maple banana bread a try next time you want a breakfast that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, sweet, and quietly satisfying, just like those slow morning moments we all need more of.