Name: Starbucks Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas (mashed); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon allspice; 1 cup walnuts (chopped, divided (¾ cup for batter + ¼ cup for topping)); 30 grams banana chips (crushed, about 1/2 cup, for topping)

By: Jill Mills Posted: Aug 8, 2026

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This copycat Starbucks Banana Bread is soft and moist, with lots of sweet banana flavor and warm spices. Chopped walnuts and crushed banana chips add texture to the top. Made in one bowl with less than 15 minutes of prep!

A loaf of Starbucks banana bread half sliced on a cutting board

The last time I grabbed a slice of Starbucks banana bread with my coffee, I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home. I’ve made many banana bread recipes over the years, from classic banana bread and chocolate chip banana bread to cream cheese banana bread and blueberry banana bread.

But the Starbucks version wasn’t quite the same as any of those, which meant it desired a new recipe. This copycat Starbucks banana bread recipe has a super moist and soft crumb, a warm flavor, and LOTS of banana. Chopped walnuts are folded into the batter and the entire loaf is topped with additional walnuts and chopped banana chips.

Oh, and did I mention how ridiculously easy it is to make? It freezes well too, so you might as well double the recipe!

Why This Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Is So Good

Only one bowl. From the baker’s perspective, this is the best thing ever! It means quick and easy, with barely any dishes to wash.
Ultra moist and soft. One of the things that makes Starbucks banana bread different is just how soft and moist the crumb is. The bananas themselves add quite a bit of moisture, as does the vegetable oil. This is not a bread that’s going to dry out in a day.
Crunchy topping. Another thing that sets this bread apart from other recipes is the chopped walnuts and crushed banana chips on top. Not only do they add some texture and flavor, but they also help lock the moisture inside.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make Starbucks banana bread

Ingredient Notes

This Starbucks copycat recipe is made with pantry staples, plus a few extras like bananas, chopped nuts, and banana chips. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact measurements.

Bananas – Always use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for the best flavor and sweetness.
Light brown sugar – Brown sugar adds more moisture and a deeper flavor than regular granulated sugar.
Eggs – Add structure to the bread and bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract – Adds a light flavor to the bread.
Vegetable oil – Adds extra moisture to the bread, which helps ensure a moist crumb for several days.
All-purpose flour – Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife or use a food scale to avoid adding too much flour.
Baking soda & baking powder – The combination of both leavening agents ensures the bread rises well while still being dense and moist like the Starbucks version.
Spices – Ground cinnamon and allspice add warmth to the bread.
Chopped walnuts – Or any other nuts (like pecans) you want. They add texture to the bread.
Banana chips – Crushed banana chips add texture and an extra pop of banana flavor to the top of the bread.

How To Make Starbucks Banana Bread

This banana bread is so quick and easy to make, with everything being combined in one single bowl. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Adding sifted dry ingredients to the wet batter

Prep. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease the loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
Make the batter. Whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil. Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder, cinnamon, and allspice directly into the bowl. Stir gently until just combined and then stir in ¾ cup of the chopped walnuts.

Chopped walnuts and banana chips on top of banana bread batter in a loaf pan

Assemble. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with the remaining walnuts and crushed banana chips.
Bake. Bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the top is browning before the center is done, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Cool & enjoy. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Then slice and enjoy!

Copycat Starbucks banana bread on a cutting board

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips for making this Starbucks banana bread recipe, as well as a few ways to customize the recipe.

Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter activates the gluten and can cause a tough crumb instead of a tender one.
Use very ripe bananas. Bananas with brown spots are ideal for this copycat Starbucks banana bread, and all banana bread recipes. They’re sweeter and have more moisture than green or yellow bananas with no spots.
Let the bread cool. Letting the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes helps ensure it stays moist. It’s also much easier to slice once it has cooled completely.
Skip the nuts. Feel free to omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips if you don’t like nuts.
Add a decorative final touch. For a café-style finish, slice a banana lengthwise and place it on top before baking.
Keep the bread moist. To keep this banana bread moist for days, avoid overbaking it (check it right at the 55 minute mark!) and wrap it tightly once cooled. The banana chips and nuts on top also lock in some moisture.

A slice of Starbucks banana bread on a cutting board

Proper Storage

Room temperature: Starbucks banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic to hold the moisture in.
Fridge: For slightly longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just bring to room temp or pop in the microwave for 10 seconds before enjoying.
Freezer: This quick bread also freezes well. Wrap tightly in a couple layers of plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter.

Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe

Why This Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread Is So Good

Ingredient Notes

How To Make Starbucks Banana Bread

Tips & Tricks

Proper Storage