Name: Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf (9x5 inch)
Ingredients: 3 ripe medium bananas; ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional); 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries (optional); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a culinary revelation, taking a beloved classic and elevating it to new heights of moistness and flavor. I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that consistently transforms humble, overripe bananas into an extraordinary, comforting treat. While the very concept of banana bread originated during the Great Depression as a clever and thrifty way to utilize fruit that might otherwise go to waste, this particular rendition introduces a modern twist that makes all the difference.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

The secret to its unparalleled success lies, as the name suggests, in the Greek yogurt. This simple addition works wonders, imparting an incredible tenderness and a delightfully moist crumb that’s hard to achieve with traditional recipes. People adore this dish for its perfect balance of sweet, ripe banana notes and that subtle tang from the yogurt, which creates a rich, complex flavor profile. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a wonderfully convenient option for those speckle-skinned bananas on your counter, promising a wholesome and deeply satisfying result every time. You’ll find this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread to be an instant family favorite, perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert.

Ingredients:

3 ripe medium bananas: Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; this is where all the wonderful sweetness and moisture for your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread comes from!
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Melted and then slightly cooled. It adds incredible richness and a tender crumb.
½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt: Full-fat or low-fat works wonderfully. This is the secret ingredient that keeps our banana bread incredibly moist, tangy, and gives it that signature tender texture.
2 large eggs: At room temperature, they incorporate better into the batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that truly brings out the best in the bananas.
1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour: Measured accurately by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off, or by weight for best results.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Our leavening agent, activated by the acidity in the Greek yogurt and bananas, ensuring a beautiful rise.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the moist texture.
Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Semisweet or dark chocolate chips are a delightful addition.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For a touch of warm spice.

Equipment You’ll Need:

9×5 inch loaf pan
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Fork or potato masher
Measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale for precision)
Parchment paper (optional, but highly recommended for easy removal)
Wire cooling rack

Preparing Your Workspace and Oven:

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving your oven ample time to reach and maintain the correct temperature is crucial for even baking, especially for a dense quick bread like our Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
Prepare your loaf pan: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For extra assurance and effortless removal, I highly recommend lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This creates “slings” that will make lifting your beautiful Greek Yogurt Banana Bread out of the pan a breeze after baking.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients:

Mash the bananas: In your large mixing bowl, peel and place the three ripe bananas. Using a fork or a potato masher, thoroughly mash the bananas until they reach a mostly smooth consistency with a few small lumps remaining. This provides a lovely texture to the finished bread. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; those little banana chunks are part of the charm of homemade banana bread.
Incorporate the melted butter: Pour the slightly cooled melted butter directly into the mashed bananas. Whisk them together until well combined. The butter adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in our Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
Add the Greek yogurt: Now, spoon in the ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt. This is a star ingredient! Whisk it into the banana and butter mixture until everything is smoothly incorporated. The Greek yogurt contributes significantly to the moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy note that perfectly complements the sweet bananas. It’s what makes this “Greek Yogurt Banana Bread” truly special, providing a lighter texture than traditional recipes that use oil or sour cream alone.
Whisk in eggs and vanilla: Add the two large room temperature eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Whisk everything together until the mixture is uniform and smooth. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the vanilla enhances all the lovely sweet flavors. Make sure there are no visible streaks of egg yolk or white.

Combining Dry Ingredients:

Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. If you’re including ground cinnamon, add it here as well. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Whisking not only mixes them evenly but also helps to aerate the flour, preventing lumps and ensuring that the leavening agents are distributed throughout, which is vital for a consistent rise in your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
The role of sugars: The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is intentional. Granulated sugar provides crispness and sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, a deeper molasses flavor, and contributes to the soft, chewy texture that we all love in a good banana bread.

Bringing It All Together: The Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Batter:

Gently combine wet and dry: Pour the wet banana and Greek yogurt mixture from the large bowl into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. This is a critical step: do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dense, and dry Greek Yogurt Banana Bread. We’re aiming for a tender, moist crumb. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see any dry streaks of flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable.
Fold in optional add-ins: If you’re adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or any other delicious mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter now. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter with just a few more folds. This is where you can truly customize your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread to your liking.

Baking Your Delicious Greek Yogurt Banana Bread:

Transfer to the pan: Carefully scrape the entire batter into your prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread the top evenly. You can gently tap the pan a few times on your counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake with care: Place the loaf pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The baking time for Greek Yogurt Banana Bread typically ranges from 55 to 65 minutes. However, oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on it, especially during the last 15-20 minutes.
Check for doneness: To determine if your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is fully baked, insert a wooden skewer or a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter), then your bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes and check again. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside continues to cook.

Cooling and Serving:

Initial cooling in the pan: Once your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the loaf to set up and prevents it from crumbling when you remove it.
Complete cooling on a rack: After the initial cooling period, use the parchment paper slings (if you used them) or a knife around the edges to carefully lift the Greek Yogurt Banana Bread out of the loaf pan. Transfer it directly to the wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial for a clean slice and to allow the internal moisture and flavors to fully develop. Slicing too soon can result in a gummy texture.
Slice and enjoy: Once fully cooled, use a serrated knife to slice your delicious Greek Yogurt Banana Bread into thick, generous slices. Serve it plain, or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It’s wonderful for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Every Time:

Banana ripeness is key: The browner and spottier your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread will be. Green or yellow bananas simply won’t yield the same depth of flavor or moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-30 minutes, until their peels turn black. Let them cool before using.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and contributing to a better rise and texture in your final Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
Don’t overmix the batter: As mentioned in the instructions, overmixing is the enemy of tender quick breads. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often preferred.
Accurate flour measurement: Measuring flour correctly is vital for the success of your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread. If you scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, you can end up with significantly more flour than intended, leading to a dry and dense bread. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife, or better yet, use a kitchen scale to measure by weight.
Customization is fun: Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins! Beyond chocolate chips and nuts, consider dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or a swirl of Nutella before baking. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking can also add a delightful crunchy crust to your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
Storage for freshness: Your homemade Greek Yogurt Banana Bread will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For ultimate freshness, slice the bread and freeze individual slices in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave or toaster for a quick treat. This is a great way to always have delicious Greek Yogurt Banana Bread on hand!
Patience during cooling: It’s tempting to cut into a warm loaf, but for the best texture and to prevent crumbling, allow your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread to cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the internal moisture to redistribute and the structure to set properly, resulting in perfectly sliced pieces.
Adjusting sweetness: While the recipe provides a balanced sweetness, you can slightly adjust the sugar quantities to your preference. If your bananas are extremely ripe and sweet, you might reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two. Conversely, if you have a very sweet tooth, you could add a little more brown sugar.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create what I truly believe is one of the most delightful and comforting treats you’ll ever pull from your oven. This isn’t just another banana bread; it’s an experience, a moment of culinary joy that brightens any day. The magic truly lies in how effortlessly it comes together, transforming humble, everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary and incredibly satisfying. I can confidently say that if you’re searching for a recipe that consistently delivers on both irresistible flavor and convenient preparation, you’ve undoubtedly found your new go-to. It’s designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding outcome every single time.

What sets this particular recipe apart, making it an absolute standout in a sea of countless baked goods, is the incredible moisture and tender, almost cloud-like crumb achieved by our star ingredient – that wonderfully creamy Greek yogurt. This is precisely what elevates our Greek Yogurt Banana Bread to a level of perfection you might not have thought possible from a simple quick bread. It’s truly a game-changer, lending a subtle, refreshing tang that beautifully balances the natural sweetness of perfectly ripe bananas, ensuring every single slice is incredibly moist, rich, and never, ever dry or crumbly. Trust me when I say, once you try this version, you’ll understand exactly what I mean; the difference is palpable. The texture is nothing short of divine – soft, exquisitely springy, and practically melts in your mouth, leaving behind a comforting warmth and a delightful blend of sweet banana with a hint of something more complex and inviting. It’s the kind of bread that calls you back for a second slice, and then perhaps a third!

Now, let’s talk about enjoying your magnificent masterpiece! While this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is absolutely phenomenal on its own, perhaps accompanied by a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting mug of hot tea, or a refreshing glass of cold milk, I have a few suggestions to help you take your indulgence to the next level. Imagine a thick slice, lightly toasted to bring out its nutty notes, and then spread generously with a dollop of extra Greek yogurt for a wholesome, energizing breakfast, or perhaps a smear of your favorite almond butter for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats. It’s also sensational served warm, fresh from the oven, with a decadent scoop of vanilla bean ice cream as a truly memorable dessert – the delightful contrast between the warm, tender bread and the cold, melting ice cream is simply heavenly. For a surprisingly sophisticated touch, a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt over a slice can really enhance and deepen all the underlying flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the banana in an unexpected, yet utterly delicious, way. And for those cherished, cozy afternoon tea breaks, nothing quite beats a slice alongside a brisk cup of Earl Grey or a calming chamomile infusion.

But don’t stop there, my friends! This recipe is wonderfully versatile, practically inviting you to put your own unique spin on it and truly make it your own signature creation. Feel entirely free to experiment with various additions to personalize your loaf. Consider folding in a generous cup of chocolate chips – whether you prefer rich dark, creamy milk, or sweet white chocolate – for an extra layer of delightful sweetness and textural intrigue. A handful of finely chopped walnuts or pecans will introduce a delightful crunch and a robust, earthy flavor, perfect for those who cherish a bit of texture in their baked goods. For a warming, spiced twist, a full teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a hint of fragrant nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger can deepen the aroma and taste, making it even more comforting and perfect for cooler weather. You could even incorporate some shredded coconut for an enticing tropical flair, or a handful of fresh berries like plump blueberries or juicy raspberries for delightful bursts of fruity flavor throughout the loaf. The possibilities are truly endless, and each exciting variation promises a new, unique, and utterly delicious experience. I’ve personally tried it with a light drizzle of lemon glaze, and for a special occasion, a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top, and I can assure you, it was an absolute showstopper!

I genuinely hope that reading through this entire recipe and its delightful possibilities has thoroughly inspired you to preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try very soon. It’s more than just the act of baking; it’s about creating beautiful moments, filling your home with the most wonderful, comforting aromas, and sharing something truly delicious and made with love with the people you cherish most. There’s an immense and deeply satisfying feeling that comes with pulling out that perfectly golden-brown loaf, knowing you made such a masterpiece yourself, from scratch. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and prepare to be utterly amazed by the sheer deliciousness that eagerly awaits you. Once you’ve baked your beautiful, aromatic loaf of Greek Yogurt Banana Bread, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience! Did you add any unique twists or secret ingredients? What was your favorite part of the baking process or, more importantly, the eating experience? Please share your thoughts, your baking successes, and even your creative variations with me. Your feedback, stories, and culinary adventures are what make this community so vibrant, inspiring, and exciting for everyone. Happy baking, my friends, and prepare yourselves for a truly unforgettable and endlessly satisfying banana bread experience!