Banana bread is a beloved quick bread that is simple to prepare and makes a tasty snack or breakfast.

While traditional recipes call for butter or oil, switching up the fat by using almond butter results in banana bread with a wonderful nutty richness.

Almond butter not only adds great flavor, but provides nutrition from protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

This almond butter banana bread is moist and delicious, making it hard to resist going back for a second slice!

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Why Make Almond Butter Banana Bread?

There are several benefits to using almond butter in banana bread rather than standard fats like butter or oil:

Nutty flavor - Almond butter provides a mild nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweet banana taste. This adds more complexity and depth of flavor compared to plain banana bread.
Moist texture - The healthy fats in almond butter keep the bread nice and moist. No dry or crumbly slices here!
More nutrition - Almond butter boosts the nutrition profile with protein, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
Easy substitution - Almond butter can directly replace the butter or oil called for in traditional banana bread recipes. The swap is 1:1 making it simple.
Nut allergy friendly - Using almond butter allows peanut-allergic individuals to enjoy nutty banana bread.

So by making one easy ingredient swap to almond butter, you can create a bread that is more flavorful and nutritious!

Tips for Making Almond Butter Banana Bread

Follow these tips for creating the perfect loaf of almond butter banana bread every time:

Use very ripe bananas - Well-ripened bananas that are covered in brown speckles are ideal. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavor they provide.
Don't overmix - Be careful not to overmix once the wet and dry ingredients come together. This can result in dense bread rather than light and fluffy. Stir just until combined.
Check for doneness - Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean with no wet batter. The total baking time is usually 45-60 minutes.
Let cool completely - Allow the loaf to cool fully before slicing. This helps the bread hold its shape for clean slices.
Store in the refrigerator - Keep leftover banana bread in the fridge. The cold environment helps retain moisture and extends shelf life.

Follow this easy almond butter banana bread recipe and these tips, and you'll have a loaf everyone will love! The nutty banana flavor is so addicting.

Ingredients Needed to Make Almond Butter Banana Bread

Only a few simple ingredients are needed to make almond butter banana bread:

Ripe bananas - Bananas that are fully ripened yield the best flavor and sweetness. Around 3 medium bananas provide enough for the bread.
Almond butter - Use an all-natural almond butter for the best quality and taste. Look for options with just almonds and salt on the label.
Sugar - Granulated sugar or brown sugar provides sweetness and helps the bread caramelize. Honey or maple syrup also works.
Eggs and milk - Eggs give the bread structure while milk adds moisture. Non-dairy milk like almond milk can substitute.
Vanilla - This adds depth of flavor and aroma. You can also use almond extract.
Flour - All-purpose works well. For a whole-grain loaf try using whole wheat flour.
Leaveners - Baking soda and powder create a rise and light texture.
Salt - A pinch of salt balances all the sweet flavors.

With staple baking ingredients that most have on hand plus ripe bananas and almond butter, you can whip up this yummy bread anytime!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Almond Butter Banana Bread

Follow these simple steps to bake up the perfect loaf of almond butter banana bread:

Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mash the bananas until almost smooth and creamy.
Measure out the almond butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Make the Batter

Mix the mashed banana, almond butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla together in a large bowl.
Stir in the dry ingredients until just moistened. Do not overmix.
If desired, gently fold in mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts or raisins.

Bake and Cool

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

It's that easy to make scrumptious almond butter banana bread at home! The flavors blend together wonderfully and the bread bakes up so moist.

Customize Your Almond Butter Banana Bread

One of the great things about banana bread is how versatile it is. There are lots of ways to customize and change up this almond butter banana bread recipe:

Add mix-ins - Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, raisins, or coconut for variety.
Play with flavors - Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor.
Swap the nut butter - Use peanut or cashew butter rather than almond butter if you prefer.
Adjust sweeteners - Try using brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup to alter the sweetness.
Experiment with milk - Substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or buttermilk.
Make muffins - Pour the batter into muffin tins for individual portions rather than a loaf.
Top it off - Spread slices with cream cheese frosting, nut butter, or jam for extra decadence.

Allow your imagination to run wild when making this bread! Tweak it to match your personal tastes.

FAQ

Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Absolutely! Peanut butter can directly replace almond butter if you don't have any on hand or just prefer the taste of peanut butter. The overall flavor profile will change slightly but the bread will turn out just as moist and yummy.

What kind of almond butter works best?

Choose an all-natural almond butter that contains just almonds and maybe salt. Avoid any with added oils or sugary flavorings. The almond butter should be fairly smooth without large chunks of almonds. Stir it well before using if the oils have separated out.

Is it okay if the bananas aren't super ripe?

It's best to use bananas that are very ripe and spotted brown. These ultra-ripe bananas provide the most banana flavor and natural sweetness. If your bananas are still slightly green, you can bake them at 300°F for 15 minutes to help soften and sweeten them before making the bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by swapping the regular flour for an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. The texture may turn out a bit more dense rather than light and fluffy. But it will still taste great!

How long does the banana bread keep?

Store cooled banana bread at room temperature covered for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer storage, double wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This almond butter banana bread is simple to whip up but tastes incredible. The addition of nutritious almond butter gives the classic bread a delicious nutty twist.

Ripe bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with nut butter. Follow the easy instructions for a loaf that stays nice and moist thanks to the healthy fats from the almond butter.

Customize the bread in any way you like and you have a tasty breakfast, snack, or dessert the whole family will devour.

Be prepared to enjoy a slice...and then another!