Sticky Orange Banana Bread

This Sticky Orange Banana Bread combines the classic sweetness of ripe bananas with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh orange juice and zest. The result is a light, moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The added sticky glaze on top makes this treat extra special and irresistible!

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Not only is this bread easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Add in your favorite nuts, seeds, or even a handful of chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re serving it warm with a cup of tea or enjoying a slice as a snack, this bread is sure to brighten your day with its sweet citrus aroma and soft, tender crumb.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup, plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Gently stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips, if using.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 8 slices

Why This Sticky Orange Banana Bread Is Special

There’s something magical about the combination of bananas and oranges. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the tangy brightness of orange juice and zest. The result is a loaf that feels both familiar and new at the same time, offering the comfort of classic banana bread with a fresh citrusy twist.

Aside from the wonderful flavor, this bread is incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a batch of this delicious bread in no time. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes, filling your home with a warm and inviting aroma that’s perfect for cozy mornings.

The Benefits of Adding Orange to Banana Bread

You might wonder why you should add orange to banana bread in the first place. Aside from the fantastic flavor, there are some health benefits to consider. Oranges are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports your immune system and helps maintain healthy skin. They also contain fiber, which promotes good digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer.

Incorporating orange into your banana bread not only boosts the bread’s nutritional profile but also enhances the flavor with a citrusy punch. The orange zest, in particular, contributes an aromatic quality that elevates the bread, making it feel more special and indulgent. It’s the perfect way to take your traditional banana bread to the next level.

How to Customize Your Sticky Orange Banana Bread

One of the great things about Sticky Orange Banana Bread is its versatility. While the base recipe is already fantastic, you can easily make it your own by adding a few custom touches. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add-ins: If you love the texture of nuts, try adding walnuts, almonds, or pecans. For a bit of indulgence, dark chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and sweetness.

• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to check the texture as gluten-free flours can vary slightly.

• Make it Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you’d like to make it fully vegan, make sure your maple syrup is plant-based, and you can use flax eggs or chia eggs instead of regular eggs.

• Spices: For a deeper, more aromatic flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These spices pair beautifully with the banana and orange, bringing warmth and complexity to the bread.

• Toppings: The sticky glaze is a key feature of this recipe, but you can take it a step further by adding a sprinkle of orange zest on top for extra brightness. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Perfect Bananas for Banana Bread

When it comes to banana bread, the ripeness of the bananas is key. Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread because they’re naturally sweeter and more flavorful. As bananas ripen, their starches convert into sugars, making them softer and easier to mash, which results in a moister loaf. Ideally, you want bananas that have lots of brown spots but haven’t completely turned black yet. If you don’t have overripe bananas on hand, you can also freeze ripe bananas and use them later in your baking.

How to Store and Freeze Your Sticky Orange Banana Bread

Sticky Orange Banana Bread is great for meal prep or making ahead of time. If you have leftovers or want to store a loaf for later, it’s easy to freeze and keep it fresh. To store, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

If you want to freeze your banana bread, let it cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by a layer of foil or a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep your bread fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat it up in the oven for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Healthier Alternatives for Sticky Orange Banana Bread

While Sticky Orange Banana Bread is already a healthier treat than many traditional cakes or muffins, there are still a few tweaks you can make to make it even more wholesome:

• Sweeteners: Instead of using maple syrup, you can experiment with other natural sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey, or agave nectar. These alternatives provide a different depth of sweetness and come with added benefits, like lower glycemic index levels or additional nutrients.

• Flour Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier flour option, you can use whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or even oat flour. These options provide more fiber and nutrients than all-purpose flour, making your bread more filling and nutritious.

• Adding More Fruits or Veggies: You can sneak even more nutrients into your banana bread by adding grated carrots or zucchini. These vegetables add moisture without affecting the flavor and are a great way to increase the nutritional value of your loaf.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Orange Banana Bread is perfect on its own, but there are many ways to enjoy it. Here are some serving ideas:

• Morning Snack: Pair a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a light and satisfying start to your day. You can top the bread with nut butter or spread a little jam for added flavor.

• Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a slice as an afternoon snack with a cup of herbal tea. The citrusy flavor and sticky glaze make this bread a refreshing pick-me-up in the middle of the day.

• Dessert: Serve Sticky Orange Banana Bread as a dessert after dinner. A slice of this moist, flavorful bread pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a deliciously indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Sticky Orange Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional banana bread. The vibrant flavor of orange adds a refreshing citrusy note that beautifully complements the sweet, rich flavor of bananas. Combined with the sticky glaze, this bread becomes a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this loaf is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s face.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. From adding nuts and chocolate chips to experimenting with different spices, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious, citrusy goodness of Sticky Orange Banana Bread!