There’s nothing quite like having a whole bunch of spotty bananas sitting on your counter to inspire ample amounts of banana recipes.
Since we are coming up on gingerbread season I knew I have to made a ginger-spiced banana bread – a fun and festive take on your traditional banana bread, on your traditional gingerbread.
Marry them together and you get gingerbread banana bread! Or… banana gingerbread. Or.. ginger banana bread? You get the idea.
I added some warm, cozy, gingerbread spices to the mix, some molasses for rich depth of flavor, and otherwise kept the ingredients really simple and easy.
If you want to browse recipes by flavor, check out these banana recipes, blueberry recipes, apple recipes, strawberry recipes, and raspberry recipes!
Ingredients for ginger spiced banana bread
Bananas (ripe and spotty):
Ripe bananas add natural sweetness to the bread, and their flavor complements the gingerbread spices. They also contribute moisture, making the banana bread soft and tender.
Eggs:
Eggs provide structure and stability to the banana bread by acting as a binder, helping the batter set during baking. They contribute moisture, enhancing the texture of the bread.
Molasses:
Molasses adds a deep, rich flavor and a hint of bitterness to the bread, enhancing the gingerbread taste. It also contributes to the dark color of traditional gingerbread.
Agave Nectar:
Agave nectar adds sweetness to the banana bread. Its mild flavor allows the gingerbread spices to shine. Honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes.
Blanched Almond Flour:
Almond flour contributes to the moistness of the bread and adds a subtle nutty flavor. It’s also a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour.
Baking Powder:
Baking powder helps the banana bread rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice, Nutmeg, Cloves):
These spices create the distinct gingerbread flavor profile. Cinnamon and ginger provide warmth, allspice adds complexity, nutmeg contributes a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and cloves add a hint of spiciness. Together, they give the banana bread its gingerbread character.
Salt:
Salt enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the spices. It also helps bring out the individual flavors of the ingredients.
How to make banana gingerbread:
It’s so simple! Mash your bananas in a medium bowl and then add the eggs, molasses and agave nectar. Whisk to combine.
Add the almond flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Whisk again until combined.
Line an 8 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and transfer the batter to the pan. Bake for 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan before loosening the edges with a butter knife and pulling up on the parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan.
How to Store Leftovers
Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil: Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to cover it completely to prevent air from reaching the bread.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped banana bread in an airtight container. This helps to further protect it from exposure to air and helps maintain its moisture.
Refrigeration: If you plan to keep the banana bread for an extended period (more than a few days), consider refrigerating it. This can help prolong its freshness. Before serving, allow the bread to come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven to enhance its flavor.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place it in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Other gingerbread recipes you’ll love:
- Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
- Gingerbread Waffles
- Gluten Free Gingerbread Loaf
- Vegan Gingerbread Bliss Balls
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Blondies
- Gingerbread Muffins
- Cashew Gingerbread Squares
- Gingerbread Cookies
Fluffy & Moist Gingerbread Banana Bread
Gingerbread Banana Bread is moist, and fluffy with rich molasses and warm gingerbread spices. My recipe uses almond flour to make it gluten free!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe, spotty bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup black strap molasses
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar
- 2 cups super-fine blanched almond flour (How to Make Almond Flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Mash the bananas in a medium bowl and then add the eggs, molasses and agave nectar. Whisk to combine.
- Add the almond flour, baking powder, spices and salt.
- Whisk again until combined.
- Line an 8 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and transfer the batter to the pan.
- Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan before loosening the edges with a butter knife and pulling up on the parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, turbinado sugar and/or sprinkles if desired!
- Cut into 10 slices and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 11.4g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 4.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3.2g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
Enjoy!! xo
Kristina DiPierro says
Just made the gingerbread banana bread today!! I was looking for something to make with my bananas before they went bad and this popped up on my instagram feed and I knew immediately what I was baking today! It turned out so amazing! I had to bake it a little longer but that was because I put it in a smaller loaf pan. Still turned out so yummy and I am so happy I decided to give this recipe a try today:) I also subbed out the agave nectar with liquid monkfruit syrup and it was just as great! Thanks!!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Yay! I’m so happy you loved it!! xo
Shelley says
I made this exactly as written, except subbed maple syrup for the agave. It.is.excellent!!!! Mine took quite a bit longer than 35 minutes, more like 50-55. But it is so moist and tasty. Definitely recommend!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Yay! I’m glad you loved it!! It’s so weird, I’m starting to realize my oven runs a little hotter and bakes things quicker, I think. I need to run a temp test on it. Also a ceramic pan may take longer compared to a metal one. I’m so happy you enjoyed!! xo
Debbie says
This recipe looks delicious. We are not gluten free. Can I use regular flour and otherwise keep recipe just the same?
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Hi Debbie, I haven’t tested it with regular flour, so I don’t know for sure. Let me know if you give it a try and how it turns out! xo
Dan says
I had to substitute honey for the sweeteners, and it turned out delicious! I never would have thought of combining all these spices with a banana bread, but I’m glad I tried out this recipe. As always, toasted pinenut’s almond flour based desserts are perfect and well-loved by me and my husband!
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Aw you’re so kind!! I’m glad you loved it!! xo
Tanya says
Soo good! Perfect festive gingerbread loaf for the holidays. Definitely needs to bake for about 50min, I would also recommend lowering the temp to 325 for the last 15 min so the sides don’t burn.
Lindsay Grimes Freedman says
Yay! I’m so happy you loved it!! Hope you enjoy the holidays!! xo