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Banana Bread Recipe Olive Oil
Sheila Browder

Banana Bread Recipe Olive Oil

Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that has become a favorite in my kitchen: olive oil banana bread. Using olive oil instead of traditional butter results in a moist, tender crumb that feels just a touch gourmet. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • - 2 large eggs
  • - 4 ripe bananas mashed (approximately 2 cups)
  • - 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1 teaspoon kosher salt feel free to adjust as needed
  • - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour I like using slightly less to keep it light
  • - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans this is optional but adds a lovely crunch

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, take a loaf pan and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil into it, using a pastry brush or paper towel to coat the bottom and sides generously. It’s okay if some oil collects at the bottom; it helps create a delicious crust.
Step 2: Mix Sugar and Oil
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining olive oil (just under 1/2 cup) with the brown sugar. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This mixture creates a lovely base for sweetness and helps incorporate air into the batter.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
  1. Add in the two eggs, mixing for about a minute until everything is combined. The eggs will help bind the loaf together, making it fluffy and tender.
Step 4: Add the Bananas
  1. Next, throw in the mashed bananas. You want them to be nice and mushy—this is where the bread gets its flavor and moisture. Stir them into the mix until they’re fully integrated.
Step 5: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
  1. Now, it’s time to add the baking soda, kosher salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Give this a good stir until everything is incorporated. Finally, slowly add the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; no one likes a tough loaf!
Step 6: Pour and Bake
  1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
  1. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. It should release easily; if you need a little help, run a knife around the sides before flipping it out. Slice into about 10 pieces and, if you’re feeling fancy, serve it warm with a smear of salted butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal

Notes

- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for a nice twist!
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
- Texture Adjustments: If the batter seems too thick, a splash of milk can help adjust the consistency.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!