Super Easy and Moist Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread

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Starbucks banana bread is famous for being super moist and dangerously addictive. With a few ripe bananas, a splash of sour cream, and this foolproof recipe, you can bake your own copycat Starbucks banana bread that tastes just as good (even better!).

Copycat starbucks banana bread in slices on a wire rack.

If you have been to Starbucks and tried their banana bread, you must agree that their banana bread is super moist. I love the texture and the taste. It is not too sweet and the banana flavor is just right!

So I have been experimenting a lot with banana bread. I have tried making banana bread with coconut oil and melted butter. This time I would try making banana bread with sour cream. And I am going to use a lot of bananas!

There’s nothing quite like a thick, moist slice of Starbucks banana bread—but now you can make it fresh at home. This copycat Starbucks banana bread is soft, fragrant, and every bit as good as the café version.

If you’ve loved my super moist banana bread, this recipe brings that same tender texture with a coffee-shop twist. Bananas have always been my favorite ingredient to play with, from crispy banana fritters (pisang goreng) and flaky bolen pisang, to chewy banana almond soft cookies and even a rich banana pound cake with cream cheese filling.

This banana bread fits right in with that collection, simple, nostalgic, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Moist & fluffy – The texture of this banana bread is soft, tender, and fluffy, just like the Starbucks favorite.
Needs only 3 eggs – You don’t need a dozen eggs for this loaf, just three will give you that perfect rise and crumb.
Aromatic & flavorful – Palm sugar and ground cinnamon bring a warm fragrance and depth of flavor in every bite.
Coffee-shop vibes at home – This copycat recipe nails the Starbucks taste, but fresher and homemade.
Budget-friendly treat – Skip the pricey café slice; bake a whole loaf at home for a fraction of the cost.
Simple pantry ingredients – Bananas, flour, sugar, sour cream, nothing fancy, just everyday staples.

Recipe Ingredients

Copycat starbucks banana bread ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes

Ripe bananas – Choose bananas with plenty of black spots on the skin. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

Sour cream – Adds extra moisture and tenderness. You can substitute with yogurt or even whipping cream if that’s what you have on hand.

Palm sugar – Pairs beautifully with cinnamon to give the bread a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

Ground cinnamon – Works hand in hand with palm sugar to create a warm aroma and cozy flavor.

Cake flour – Keeps the bread soft and fluffy. If you’re gluten intolerant, you can swap with a good gluten-free flour blend.

Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and stay airy. If you don’t have baking soda, baking powder can also do the job.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Substitutions & Variations

This copycat Starbucks banana bread is flexible and easy to adapt. If you don’t have sour cream, swap it with yogurt, whipping cream, or even coconut yogurt for a dairy-free twist. Palm sugar gives the loaf a rich, caramel note, but light brown sugar or coconut sugar work well too.

For mix-ins, chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, while chocolate chips make it more indulgent.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread

Fresh banana chunks being mashed for baking and beating butter and sugar.

STEP 1. Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas with a fork (Images 1, 2) and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, palm sugar, sugar, and salt (Image 3). Beat on medium speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy (Image 4).

Step by step process photos of adding eggs and dry ingredients.

STEP 2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition (Image 5). Stir in the sour cream and mashed bananas (Image 6). In a separate bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients (Image 7). Gently fold the dry mixture into the batter until just combined (Image 8).

Step by step process photos of pouring the batter into a pan and baking it.

STEP 3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan (Image 9). If decorating with banana slices, bake for 20 minutes first, then arrange the slices on top (Image 10). For a plain loaf, continue baking without interruption. Bake for a total of 60–75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven (Image 11) and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing (Image 12). Enjoy your homemade copycat Starbucks banana bread!

Pro Tips

Swap smartly – Plain yogurt works beautifully as a substitute for sour cream. Both keep the banana bread moist and tender.
Nutty upgrade – Fold in walnut slices for crunch, or sprinkle them on top before baking for that classic Starbucks-style finish.
Decorate halfway – After 20 minutes of baking, the surface begins to set. That’s the perfect time to press banana slices or walnut pieces gently on top so they won’t sink into the batter.
Don’t overmix – When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
Check for doneness – Baking time can vary depending on your oven. Always test with a skewer; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready.
Cool completely before slicing – Letting the loaf rest on a wire rack helps lock in moisture and makes cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions

This copycat Starbucks banana bread is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right drink or spread makes it even more enjoyable. For a refreshing combo, enjoy a slice with lemongrass pandan tea or a ginger lemon drink, both balance the sweetness with light, zesty flavors. Of course, you can never go wrong with a strong cup of black coffee or Earl Grey milk tea, just like at Starbucks.

If you’d like to make it extra special, spread on some coconut jam (kaya) for a tropical twist, or drizzle with homemade condensed milk for a creamy, indulgent finish.

FAQs about Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread

What makes Starbucks banana bread so moist?

The secret is using very ripe bananas along with sour cream (or yogurt). The extra moisture from these ingredients keeps the bread soft and tender, even days after baking.

Can I make Starbucks banana bread without sour cream?

Yes! Plain yogurt, whipping cream, or even coconut yogurt can be substituted for sour cream. Each option will still give you a moist texture, though the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute cake flour with a good gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Mix into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.

A slice of copycat starbucks banana bread on a white plate.

Storage

Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for about 5 days.

For long-term storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen banana bread will keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave or oven for that just-baked taste.