Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a moist, tender twist on classic banana bread, packed with ripe bananas and a creamy touch of Greek yogurt. It’s soft on the inside with…

By Julia • December 9, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a moist, tender twist on classic banana bread, packed with ripe bananas and a creamy touch of Greek yogurt. It’s soft on the inside with just the right amount of sweetness and a lovely subtle tang from the yogurt that makes it extra special.

I love how the Greek yogurt keeps this banana bread delightfully moist without making it too heavy. Whenever I need a quick but satisfying snack, this bread is my go-to. It’s simple to make, and I often sneak in a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra bit of fun and crunch.

One of my favorite ways to serve this banana bread is slightly warmed with a bit of butter or a drizzle of honey on top—it feels like a cozy little treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. It’s also great for sharing since everyone seems to enjoy that familiar banana flavor with a twist. This recipe has become a family favorite that I always come back to when I want something both comforting and easy.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bananas: Ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best. They add natural sweetness and moisture. If you only have a few or firmer bananas, microwave them for 30 seconds to soften.

Greek Yogurt: This keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle tang. Full-fat gives a richer texture, but low-fat works fine. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt, though texture may change slightly.

Butter & Sweetener: Butter adds richness, but you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Honey adds a natural sweetness, but feel free to use sugar or maple syrup instead. Adjust liquid amounts if using syrup.

Chocolate Chips & Coconut: These add texture and fun flavors but are optional. Nuts or dried fruit can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a different twist.

How Do You Keep Banana Bread Moist and Tender?

The key to moist banana bread is balancing wet and dry ingredients and mixing carefully:

• Use very ripe bananas and Greek yogurt for natural moisture and tenderness.
• Mix dry ingredients gently into wet ingredients just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Don’t overbake — check the bread with a toothpick around 55 minutes, so it stays soft.

I usually let bananas fully ripen on the counter and always fold ingredients together softly. This gives the best texture every time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×5 inch loaf pan – perfect size for shaping your banana bread evenly.
• Mixing bowls – one medium for dry ingredients, one large for wet ingredients keeps things tidy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – makes gentle folding easy without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate baking, especially with baking soda and salt.
• Toothpick or cake tester – to check if your bread is baked through without guessing.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Swap chocolate chips for butterscotch chips to keep things sweet but different.
• Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg for warm spice notes.
• Use mashed sweet potato instead of bananas for a unique twist with similar texture.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey or granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or plain)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut for topping (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This banana bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 55 to 65 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 10 minutes to cool in the pan, plus additional time to cool completely before slicing, so plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes total.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan well, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly combined and ready to add.

3. Cream Butter and Sweetener:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the honey or sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates a nice base for your batter.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:

Mix in the Greek yogurt, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients gently. Be careful not to overmix; stopping as soon as the flour disappears keeps the bread tender.

6. Add Chocolate Chips:

If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now gently to evenly disperse throughout the batter.

7. Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top if you like a little extra texture and flavor. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

8. Cool and Serve:

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps keep the slices firm and prevents crumbling.

Enjoy your moist, delicious Greek Yogurt Banana Bread as a wonderful breakfast or a comforting snack! It’s especially delightful served warm with a bit of butter or honey on top.

Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps maintain the right texture in your banana bread.

Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt with Regular Yogurt or Sour Cream?

You can use plain yogurt or sour cream as a substitute, but Greek yogurt’s thicker texture helps keep the bread moist and tender. If using regular yogurt, consider straining it to thicken before adding.

How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit like raisins make great additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking for extra flavor and texture.