Name: “Maple Pecan Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups); ½ cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ⅓ cup melted butter (or coconut oil); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped pecans (plus more for topping)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate banana bread upgrade, this Maple Pecan Banana Bread is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Picture everything you love about classic banana bread, amped up with rich maple syrup and a generous sprinkle of crunchy, toasty pecans. The result? An irresistibly moist loaf that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors—perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet addition to your next holiday gathering. This is the kind of treat you’ll want to share (but might want to keep all to yourself).

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how this Maple Pecan Banana Bread layers flavor and texture with just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh additions. Every ingredient serves a purpose, working together to create a loaf that’s deliciously moist, nutty, and beautifully aromatic.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base, providing the structure for a perfect quick bread crumb.
Baking soda: Your secret to a lofty rise and tender texture.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise a touch higher and keeps it light.
Salt: Adds balance and enhances every other flavor in the bread.
Ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle warmth and deepens the holiday aroma.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the show—make sure they’re spotty and sweet for the richest banana flavor.
Pure maple syrup: Infuses each bite with irresistible maple notes and lovely moisture.
Brown sugar (packed): Provides extra softness and a caramel-like depth to the loaf.
Melted butter (or coconut oil): Make it rich and tender—choose coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
Large eggs: The binder that holds everything together and adds a little extra lift.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a delicate, sweet aroma.
Chopped pecans (plus more for topping): Add that signature crunch and nutty finish—don’t skip the sprinkle on top!

How to Make Maple Pecan Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Loaf Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal. This quick preparation step helps guarantee your Maple Pecan Banana Bread comes out of the pan in one beautiful piece.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything looks evenly distributed. This little step ensures you don’t end up with any unwanted pockets of baking soda or spice.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and unified—the bananas should be nicely incorporated, with no big lumps remaining.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay! Overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 5: Stir in Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them throughout the batter. This ensures every slice of your Maple Pecan Banana Bread has that perfect nutty crunch. If you’re a pecan fan, add a few extra to the batter!

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra pecans right on top—this creates an irresistible, toasty finish once baked.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing—the wait just makes it more rewarding!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Banana Bread

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, try drizzling each slice with a little warm maple syrup or dusting the top with powdered sugar. A small pat of butter melting into a fresh, warm slice is pure comfort, or finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Maple Pecan Banana Bread pairs beautifully with tangy Greek yogurt, a handful of fresh berries, or a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a crisp green salad for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Maple Pecan Banana Bread into an elegant dessert by stacking thick slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous maple drizzle. For entertaining, cut into mini cubes, skewer with toothpicks, and serve as bite-sized treats on a pretty platter. Toast slices and top with cream cheese or nut butter for a fun breakfast twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Maple Pecan Banana Bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days and stays moist thanks to the bananas and maple syrup.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and wrap each piece (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop it into a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently heat individual slices as needed.

Reheating

To refresh your Maple Pecan Banana Bread, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through. If you love a crisp edge, toast them lightly and enjoy with a dab of butter or extra maple syrup.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give a distinctive flavor and buttery crunch, walnuts are a great alternative and blend beautifully with the banana and maple flavors.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until the skins blacken and the flesh softens. Let them cool before peeling—the perfect shortcut for Maple Pecan Banana Bread!

Can I make this Maple Pecan Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute an equal amount of your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free breads can sometimes bake up a bit more dense.

Can I replace maple syrup with honey?

You can swap in honey, though the flavor will change slightly. Pure maple syrup adds a unique richness and fragrance, but honey will still give a moist, delicious loaf.

Do I have to use butter, or can I keep it dairy-free?

Melted coconut oil is a wonderful alternative for a dairy-free Maple Pecan Banana Bread—just substitute it in equal amounts for the butter, and enjoy that extra subtle coconut scent!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for banana bread with a wow factor, don’t wait to bake this Maple Pecan Banana Bread. It’s cozy, full of character, and easy enough for both weekdays and special occasions. Give it a try and let it steal the spotlight at your next gathering!