Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe
If there’s one bake I could happily whip up a dozen ways and share with absolutely everyone I know, it’s Greek Yogurt Banana Bread. This beauty takes humble, ripe bananas and transforms them with creamy Greek yogurt into a loaf that’s moist, plush, and never heavy—the kind of snack that makes you peek in the kitchen “just to check” if there’s one more slice left. It’s as easy as banana bread gets, with a gloriously tender crumb and just enough sweetness to keep both kids and grownups sneaking bites. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, feel-good treat, this recipe might just become your new favorite baking ritual.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is quick—nothing fancy required, but each element matters. These classics combine for unbeatable taste, a super-soft crumb, and that signature golden hue we all crave in banana bread.
- Bananas: The riper and spottier, the better—overripe bananas are natural sweeteners and give that irresistible banana flavor.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds tang, creaminess, and moisture—this is the game-changer that keeps the bread soft for days.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the bananas.
- Melted Butter (or Vegetable Oil): Provides richness and a tender crumb—choose butter for classic flavor or oil for extra-moist texture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the loaf structure while keeping it fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the sweet, fruity flavors—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: Keeps things simple and reliable; gives your loaf structure without being dense.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully and develop a lovely dome.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to balance the sweetness and boost every other flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): For a cozy note that makes your whole kitchen smell like a bakery.
- Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): These mix-ins add delightful crunch or melty richness—pick your favorite or go half-and-half!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Before you dive into mixing, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you gather your ingredients. Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan, grease it well, and dust lightly with flour to make sure nothing sticks. This ensures your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread turns out golden and releases effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Grab those beautifully spotty bananas and peel them into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to squash them until almost smooth—some little lumps are perfectly fine and even give the finished bread tiny pockets of banana goodness.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the Greek yogurt, sugar, melted butter (or oil), eggs, and vanilla extract straight to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together gently until you have a creamy, thick mixture. This step is where the magic starts—the yogurt works wonders for keeping the bread ultra-moist.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Whisking dry ingredients helps the baking soda and salt distribute evenly, which means a perfectly textured loaf in every bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir slowly and carefully—just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense or chewy bread, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. If you want to fold in walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s your moment!
Step 6: Pour and Smooth
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes up evenly. This also helps prevent funky peaks or dips in your finished Greek Yogurt Banana Bread.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan onto the middle rack and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check at the one-hour mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! If not, give it another 5-10 minutes. The top should be golden and gently spring back to the touch.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let the loaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes to set up and ease out of the pan without crumbling. Then turn it onto a wire rack to finish cooling—this prevents sogginess and ensures that perfect banana bread texture from crust to crumb.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

Garnishes
A warm slice hardly needs dressing up, but dotting the loaf with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of honey makes each piece feel special. For a pretty presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh banana slices does the trick. Even a few extra chopped walnuts on top right after baking add a bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread with coffee, spiced chai, or a creamy latte to create the ultimate cozy snack. If you’re making it for brunch, serve it alongside a fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a tangy yogurt parfait. The flavors marry beautifully with almost any breakfast or snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by slicing and toasting the bread, then topping with peanut butter and a sprinkle of granola for crunch. Make mini loaves or muffins for the lunchbox crowd, or serve thick slices as a base for a fun “banana bread shortcake” layered with whipped cream and berries. This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread adapts to every occasion and never disappoints.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your beautifully baked loaf will keep for several days at room temperature. Wrap cooled Greek Yogurt Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. No need to refrigerate, unless your kitchen is especially warm or humid.
Freezing
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread freezes like a dream. Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf first in plastic wrap, then in foil. Tuck it into a freezer-safe bag and stow away for up to three months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them straight into the toaster for a warm treat on demand.
Reheating
To enjoy your Greek Yogurt Banana Bread warm, simply microwave slices for 15–20 seconds, or toast in a skillet or toaster oven until just heated through. This restores the moisture and makes it taste freshly baked, every time.
FAQs
Can I make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread dairy free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt). The result is still deliciously moist and full of banana flavor, with zero compromise in texture.
What’s the best way to tell if banana bread is done?
The ultimate test is to insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your loaf is ready. The top should also look golden and set, and gently spring back when touched. If it’s still a bit jiggly or wet, give it a few more minutes.
Can I add other mix-ins besides walnuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Try chopped pecans, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even a handful of blueberries. Just be mindful not to add too many extras, which can make the bread too dense or affect the baking time.
Is it okay to use frozen bananas for Greek Yogurt Banana Bread?
Yes! Thaw frozen ripe bananas, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual. Frozen bananas are a great way to reduce food waste and make sure you always have banana bread ingredients on hand.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if too much batter is added to the pan. Make sure to check the loaf with a toothpick, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been longing for a banana bread that’s moist, full of flavor, and simple to make, this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread absolutely delivers. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack, dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Give it a try—and be prepared for a new round of kitchen compliments every single time you bake it!
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Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The addition of Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness to the classic banana bread, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the banana bread:
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add Greek yogurt, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in nuts/chocolate if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months; wrap tightly before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg