The Ultimate Moist & Delicious Banana Avocado Bread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house. For me, that smell instantly transports me back to lazy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s farm. She always had a knack for turning overripe bananas into pure magic, but it wasn’t until a particularly serendipitous baking experiment of my own that I stumbled upon a game-changer: adding avocado. Yes, you read that right – avocado!
I was in a pinch one rainy afternoon, craving a wholesome, easy baking project but short on my usual butter supply. Staring at a perfectly ripe, creamy avocado on the counter, an idea sparked. Could this healthy fat work its magic in my beloved banana bread? The answer, my friends, was a resounding YES. This Banana Avocado Bread recipe quickly became a family favorite, delivering an unparalleled moistness and a subtle richness that everyone raves about. It’s truly a next-level comfort food experience.
This isn’t just another banana bread recipe; it’s a testament to simple, innovative baking that yields truly extraordinary results. Tested countless times, it’s perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a delightful afternoon snack, or a surprisingly elegant healthy treat. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to banana bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here’s why this Banana Avocado Bread will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen:
- Unbelievable Moistness: Thanks to the avocado, this bread boasts an incredible, almost custardy texture that stays moist for days. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly banana bread forever! The healthy fats from the avocado work wonders, mimicking butter and oil for a truly decadent crumb.
- A Healthier Twist: Avocados are packed with good-for-you monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins. By incorporating them, we reduce the need for excessive butter or oil, making this a slightly healthier treat without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s guilt-free indulgence at its best!
- Naturally Delicious Flavor: Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like guacamole! The avocado’s flavor is incredibly subtle, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas and adding a richness that’s hard to pinpoint but impossible to resist. It simply elevates the classic banana bread taste to new heights.
- Super Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. If you can mash bananas, you can make this bread! It’s a fantastic project for a relaxed weekend or even a quick weekday bake.
- Uses Up Those Ripe Bananas: Got a few spotty bananas on your counter? This is the perfect solution! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. It’s a delicious way to prevent food waste.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Enjoy a slice for breakfast with your morning coffee, pack it in lunchboxes for a wholesome snack, or serve it as a simple, satisfying dessert. It’s comforting enough for a cozy evening and special enough for a brunch spread.
- Customizable Fun: Whether you love a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a handful of crunchy walnuts, or a touch of warm cinnamon, this bread is a fantastic canvas for your favorite additions. Make it your own every single time!
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this a convenient and spontaneous bake. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of what you’ll need.
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Avocado Bread
- Choose Your Bananas Wisely: The browner and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, imparting more flavor and natural moisture to your bread. Don’t be afraid of very dark bananas – they’re perfect for baking.
- Ripe Avocado is Key: Just like bananas, your avocado should be very ripe. It should yield easily to gentle pressure. A ripe avocado will mash smoothly into a creamy consistency, seamlessly blending into the batter without any chunks.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: After you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for a tender crumb.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and mashed avocado are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother consistency and a more uniform bake.
- Grease and Flour Your Pan Properly: Even if your loaf pan is non-stick, a light coating of butter or cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal. You can also use parchment paper sling for extra confidence.
- Test for Doneness: The best way to tell if your banana bread is fully baked is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, it might be slightly overbaked.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: I know, it’s hard to wait! But allowing the bread to cool completely in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then on a wire rack for at least an hour, ensures it sets properly. Slicing too soon can cause it to crumble.
- Enhance the Flavor: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can beautifully complement the banana and avocado. For an extra boost, a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is always a good idea.
Variations & Substitutions
This Banana Avocado Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:
- Gluten-Free: Easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Vegan Option: To make this bread vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based butter or additional mashed avocado (about 1/4 cup extra per 1/2 cup butter) instead of dairy butter.
- Sweetener Alternatives: You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or substitute it with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a different flavor profile. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Add-Ins Galore:
- Nuts: Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate: Mini chocolate chips or chunks are always a hit.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can add extra chewiness and sweetness.
- Spices: A dash of nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of cardamom can add warmth and complexity.
Storage & Freezing
One of the best things about this Banana Avocado Bread is how well it stores! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Room Temperature: Store the loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It actually gets moister and more flavorful on the second day!
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully!
- Whole Loaf: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.
- Slices: For easy grabbing, slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just one slice at a time! Reheat briefly in the microwave or toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I actually taste the avocado in the bread?
A: No, not at all! The avocado’s flavor is very neutral and mild, especially when combined with the strong flavor of ripe bananas and the other ingredients. Its primary role is to provide moisture, healthy fats, and an incredibly tender texture, not a distinct avocado taste. You’ll simply experience a richer, more decadent banana bread.
Q: How ripe should the bananas and avocados be?
A: For bananas, the spottier and browner, the better! This means they are full of natural sugars and easily mashable. For avocados, they should be very ripe – soft to the touch but not mushy, without any hard spots. This ensures they blend smoothly into the batter.
Q: Why is my banana bread dry or crumbly?
A: A dry or crumbly texture is usually due to overmixing the batter or overbaking. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough texture. Overbaking removes too much moisture. Make sure to mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and check for doneness with a skewer.
Q: Can I use different sized loaf pans?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A standard loaf pan is 9×5 inches. If using a smaller or larger pan, keep a close eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick. Smaller pans will bake faster, larger pans might take a bit longer or result in a flatter loaf.
There you have it – a truly game-changing Banana Avocado Bread recipe that’s destined to become a beloved staple in your home. Its incredible moistness, subtle richness, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect treat for any moment. Don’t be shy about trying this unique twist on a classic; I promise you won’t regret it!
If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on social media! I love seeing your beautiful creations. And don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes!
The Ultimate Moist & Delicious Banana Avocado Bread
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Step 2 In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas and mashed avocado until mostly smooth.
- Step 3 Add the melted butter (or oil), egg, and vanilla extract to the banana-avocado mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 4 In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Step 5 Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Step 6 If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Step 7 Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Step 8 Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
- Step 9 Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!



