Matcha banana bread is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic recipe. The rich flavor of matcha pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a moist and satisfying treat. Packed with antioxidants, this banana bread is a great option for breakfast.
Why We Love This Matcha Banana Bread
This matcha banana bread is the perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas, this bread is incredibly moist and soft, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha adds not only vibrant green color but also a boost of antioxidants, making this banana bread a healthier option than traditional recipes.
- Unique Flavor: The earthy, slightly sweet taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of bananas, giving you a flavor combo that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together easily, making it a great option for a weekend bake or a quick snack. No need for complex steps—just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Versatile: You can enjoy this banana bread for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite drink.
With all these benefits, this matcha banana bread isn’t just a treat—it’s a nourishing and flavorful experience in every bite!
Ingredients
To make this moist matcha banana bread, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a delicious, healthy treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your Matcha Banana Bread will be. Overripe bananas are best as they naturally sweeten the bread without extra sugar.
All-purpose flour – This flour provides the right structure for a tender loaf. Avoid substitutes like cake flour or whole wheat flour, as they can affect the texture.
Matcha Powder – Adds vibrant color and a rich, earthy flavor while offering antioxidants. Don’t substitute with regular green tea powder, as it lacks matcha’s unique taste and benefits.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the matcha’s bitterness and ensures the bread has the perfect sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
Melted Butter – It adds moisture and richness to the bread. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based fat.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients, contribute to the rise, and provide structure and moisture. Use large eggs for consistency.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor, complementing the sweetness of bananas and the earthiness of matcha.
Baking Soda – It is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Do not replace with baking powder, as they work differently.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness and matcha’s earthiness without making the bread taste salty.
Instructions
Making this matcha banana bread is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, moist loaf:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Mix in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar, whisking until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Transfer the batter to the greased loaf pan and spread it evenly on top.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips
For the best results and a perfect matcha banana bread every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be. Overripe bananas are ideal because they provide natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.
Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, matcha powder, and baking soda ensures even distribution, helping the bread rise evenly and avoiding clumps of matcha.
Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out with batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Let it cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows it to set properly and prevents breaking apart.
Storage tips: To keep your matcha banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions for up to 2 months.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your matcha banana bread turns out perfectly every time—moist and flavorful.
Variations
This matcha banana bread recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to add your personal touch:
Add chocolate chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in some dark or white chocolate chips. The richness of chocolate pairs wonderfully with the earthy flavor of matcha.
Nuts for crunch: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans can add a satisfying crunch to the moist bread. Stir in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts for added texture and flavor.
Make it dairy-free: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and opt for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a completely dairy-free version.
Add spices: If you enjoy spiced baked goods, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist.
Boost the protein: For an extra protein boost, you can mix in a tablespoon of plant-based protein powder or Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe your own! These easy adjustments allow you to customize the flavor and texture of your matcha banana bread to suit different dietary needs or simply to satisfy your cravings.
Serving Suggestions for Matcha Banana Bread
This moist matcha banana bread is perfect on its own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your experience:
With a cup of tea: Matcha banana bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of green tea or chai. The earthy matcha flavor in the bread complements the aromatic spices in the tea for a relaxing, cozy snack.
Top with Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on a slice for an added protein boost and extra creaminess. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack.
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about making and enjoying matcha banana bread:
Does heat destroy matcha?
While high heat can affect the flavor and nutritional value of matcha, baking it at moderate temperatures, like in this recipe, will preserve most of its benefits. The key is not to overheat the matcha, which is why baking at 350°F (175°C) is ideal for retaining its vibrant green color and healthful properties.
Does banana go well with matcha?
Yes! The naturally sweet and soft texture of banana pairs beautifully with the earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha. The bananas bring moisture and sweetness to the bread, balancing out the matcha’s rich flavor, making it a delightful combination.
What can you not mix with matcha?
Matcha has a unique flavor that can clash with overly strong or bitter ingredients. Avoid pairing matcha with flavors like coffee or acidic fruits (like citrus), as they can overpower its delicate taste. Stick to sweeter, more neutral flavors like banana, vanilla, and chocolate for the best results.
Matcha banana bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully combined.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the matcha and helps the bread rise evenly.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the bread may turn out dense.
- Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade, moist matcha banana bread!