Banana Split Bread Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Dessert-Inspired

I still remember the first time I baked banana split bread for my family—it filled the kitchen with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and chocolate, and my kids couldn’t wait to taste it straight from the oven. This recipe is quick, easy, and family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Moist, customizable, and delicious, it’s a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Try this banana split bread recipe today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this banana split bread recipe is a must-try. Every slice delivers the nostalgic taste of a classic banana split with ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and optional fruit or nuts baked into a moist, tender loaf. This banana split bread is perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a family-friendly dessert for busy weeknights.

What makes this banana split bread recipe so special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as-is, top it with whipped cream and a cherry for a dessert twist, or turn leftovers into decadent banana split bread pudding. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is completely customizable to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this banana split bread recipe brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to your kitchen, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This banana split bread recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a moist, flavorful loaf that captures the classic dessert flavors. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while chocolate chips add rich, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. Sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the bread tender and soft, and nuts or diced strawberries can be added for texture and a banana split twist. With pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, this banana split bread recipe is easy to prepare and customizable for your taste. Optional toppings like whipped cream, sliced banana, and a cherry make it feel like a true banana split in bread form, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a family-friendly treat.

🛒 Ingredients (for one standard loaf):

For the Bread:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
¼ cup diced strawberries (optional, for banana split twist)

For Topping (optional):
Sliced banana
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Whipped cream (for serving)
Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

How to Make This Recipe

Making banana split bread is simple, fun, and rewarding. This banana split bread recipe transforms ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and optional nuts or strawberries into a moist, flavorful loaf that tastes just like a dessert. By following these steps, you can create a bakery-style banana split bread at home that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a family-friendly dessert. The combination of ripe bananas, sweet chocolate, and tender bread makes this banana split bread irresistible, and optional toppings like sliced banana, whipped cream, and a cherry intensify the classic banana split flavor in every slice.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly flour it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Mix in mashed bananas and sour cream until fully combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, and diced strawberries for a banana split bread twist.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally top with sliced banana, mini chocolate chips, and nuts.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve as-is or with whipped cream and a cherry to mimic a banana split.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect banana split bread is all about using the right ingredients and techniques to bring out the flavors of ripe bananas, chocolate, and optional fruits or nuts. This banana split bread recipe becomes extra moist and flavorful when you choose very ripe bananas and fold in chocolate chips carefully to avoid overmixing. Optional ingredients like nuts, strawberries, or a cinnamon hint add texture and depth, while toppings like whipped cream and cherries intensify the classic banana split experience. With these expert tips, your banana split bread will be bakery-quality every time.

💡 Expert Tips:

Always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your banana split bread.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to create a light, tender bread texture.
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or diced strawberries gently to keep the batter airy.
Do not overmix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture to prevent dense banana split bread.
For a split-top banana split bread, slash the top of the loaf before baking.
Check doneness with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Cool banana split bread in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Top slices with whipped cream, a cherry, or extra chocolate chips for a dessert-style banana split bread.

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Banana split bread is a delicious, versatile treat that brings the classic flavors of a banana split into a moist, flavorful loaf. This banana split bread recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or family-friendly snacking. With simple ingredients like ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and optional nuts or fruit, you can customize it to your taste. Try it as-is, top it with whipped cream and a cherry, or transform leftovers into banana split bread pudding for an indulgent twist.

Banana Split Bread

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A moist, dessert-inspired banana bread that captures the flavors of a classic banana split. Loaded with ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and optional fruit or nuts, it can also be enjoyed as a bread pudding or a fun split-top loaf. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one standard loaf):

For the Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ¼ cup diced strawberries (optional, for banana split twist)

For Topping (optional):

• Sliced banana

• Mini chocolate chips

• Chopped nuts

• Whipped cream (for serving)

• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly flour it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add Bananas & Dairy
Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Mix-ins
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, and strawberries (if using).

Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with optional sliced bananas, mini chocolate chips, and nuts. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and a cherry to mimic a banana split.

Notes

• Split-Top Style: For a bakery-style top, gently slash the top of the batter lengthwise before baking.
• Moist Bread: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Banana Split Twist: Add diced strawberries, chocolate drizzle, or even a bit of caramel sauce for a dessert version.
• Bread Pudding: Turn leftovers into a delicious banana split bread pudding with custard and baked topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Quick Bread
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American