If you’ve been scrolling through Emma Macdonald’s content and drooling over her famous banana bread, you’re in the right place! This emma macdonald banana bread recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason.
This gluten-free, naturally sweetened loaf is the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this copycat emma macdonald banana bread recipe delivers on all fronts.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s recreate Emma’s signature banana bread magic in your own kitchen!
What Does It Taste Like?
Emma Macdonald’s banana bread is pure comfort in every bite. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas and maple syrup creates a perfectly moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
You’ll taste warm cinnamon notes throughout, with the coconut oil adding a subtle tropical richness. The oat flour gives it a hearty, wholesome texture that’s denser than traditional banana bread but never heavy.
If you add chocolate chips, they create pockets of melty sweetness, while walnuts provide a delightful crunch. It’s like a cozy hug from your kitchen-naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and satisfying without being overly sugary.
Emma Macdonald Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed until smooth)
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1 cup oat flour (or whole oats blended into flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Kitchen Utensils
- Large mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
- Medium mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Blender (if making oat flour from whole oats)
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
Emma Macdonald Banana Bread Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with coconut oil. This ensures your emma macdonald banana bread releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Flour
If you’re using whole oats instead of pre-made oat flour, add 1 cup of oats to your blender and pulse until you achieve a fine, flour-like consistency. This takes about 30-45 seconds.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your 3 ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine). Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps and everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined-don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. If you’re adding chocolate chips or walnuts, fold them in now.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and spread it evenly into the corners.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The banana bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This copycat emma macdonald banana bread recipe tastes amazing warm or at room temperature!
7 Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Double down on the chocolate by adding both dark chocolate chips and a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking. Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent dessert-style treat.
2. Nutty Banana Bread Bar
Transform your emma macdonald banana bread into a nutrient-packed snack by mixing in chopped almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Top with almond butter and sliced bananas for a protein-rich breakfast.
3. Berry Bliss Variation
Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. The berries add bright, tart notes that complement the sweet banana base beautifully.
4. Tropical Paradise Embrace the coconut oil’s flavor by adding 1/4 cup of shredded coconut and 1/4 cup of diced pineapple to the batter. Serve with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
5. Breakfast Toast Transformation Slice your cooled banana bread and toast it lightly. Spread with cashew butter, top with hemp seeds, and drizzle with extra maple syrup for a gourmet breakfast toast experience.
6. Coffee Shop Style Pairing Serve a warm slice alongside your morning coffee or matcha latte. The cinnamon notes in this banana bread pair exceptionally well with espresso-based drinks.
7. Ice Cream Sandwich Innovation Cut thick slices of emma macdonald banana bread, toast them slightly, and create ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. This makes an unforgettable dessert for summer gatherings.
7 Essential Tips for Perfect Results
1. Use Overripe Bananas The secret to the best banana bread is using bananas that are heavily spotted or even completely brown. These overripe bananas are sweeter, easier to mash, and provide more intense banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag for 1-2 days or bake them in their peels at 300°F for 15 minutes.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter This is crucial for achieving that tender, moist texture in your copycat emma macdonald banana bread recipe. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix only until you no longer see dry flour streaks. Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and creates a tough, dense loaf.
3. Measure Oat Flour Correctly If you’re grinding your own oats, measure the oats first, then blend them into flour. One cup of whole oats will yield slightly more than one cup of oat flour. For accuracy, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly.
4. Test for Doneness Properly Banana bread can look done on the outside while still being undercooked inside. Always use the toothpick test-insert it into the center of the loaf. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t done, tent the loaf with aluminum foil.
5. Let the Coconut Oil Cool Slightly After melting your coconut oil, let it cool for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the mashed bananas. If it’s too hot, it can start to “cook” the bananas and affect the texture of your batter.
6. Achieve Even Mixing When folding dry ingredients into wet, use a gentle folding motion from the bottom of the bowl upward. This technique ensures even distribution without overworking the batter, resulting in a perfectly uniform texture throughout your emma macdonald banana bread.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your emma macdonald banana bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the toaster or microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
Emma Macdonald Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed until smooth
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1 cup oat flour or whole oats blended into flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips dark or semi-sweet
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with coconut oil. This ensures your emma macdonald banana bread releases easily after baking.
- If you’re using whole oats instead of pre-made oat flour, add 1 cup of oats to your blender and pulse until you achieve a fine, flour-like consistency. This takes about 30-45 seconds.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash your 3 ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine). Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps and everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined-don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. If you’re adding chocolate chips or walnuts, fold them in now.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and spread it evenly into the corners.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The banana bread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
We’ve gathered some of the most common questions people ask about this recipe – and we’ve got all the answers right here.
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding gluten, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with regular all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. The texture will be slightly lighter and more traditional, but it will still be delicious. This copycat emma macdonald banana bread recipe is flexible enough to accommodate both preferences.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar. If using coconut sugar, you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of extra liquid (milk or water) since it’s a dry sweetener. Keep in mind that each sweetener will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Great news-this emma macdonald banana bread is already naturally vegan! The recipe contains no eggs or dairy products. Just make sure your chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free, as some brands contain milk.
My banana bread sank in the middle. What happened?
A sunken center usually means the bread was underbaked, there was too much leavening agent, or the oven door was opened too early. Make sure to bake for the full 35-40 minutes and avoid opening the oven door during the first 25 minutes. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and not expired.
Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup for less sweetness?
Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet banana bread. However, keep in mind that the maple syrup also contributes to the moisture, so your bread may be slightly less moist. The natural sweetness from the ripe bananas will still make it flavorful.
Do I need to use coconut oil, or can I substitute it?
While coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute it with melted butter (if not dairy-free), avocado oil, or vegetable oil in the same amount. Each oil will create a slightly different flavor and texture.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are covered in brown spots or even completely brown. The peels should be easy to break, and the inside should be very soft. Underripe bananas won’t provide enough sweetness or moisture for the best emma macdonald banana bread recipe results.
Can I add protein powder to make it more filling?
You can add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your favorite protein powder, but you’ll need to reduce the oat flour by the same amount to maintain the proper dry-to-wet ratio. Be aware that protein powder can make the bread drier, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil or maple syrup.
Why is my banana bread too dense?
Dense banana bread usually results from using too much flour or flour that’s been packed into the measuring cup. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter, which can create a heavy texture.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely! This copycat emma macdonald banana bread recipe works wonderfully as muffins. Divide the batter among 12 lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Muffins are perfect for meal prep and portion control.
Is it normal for the top to crack?
Yes! A cracked top is completely normal and actually a sign of a good rise. The crack happens because the top sets before the inside finishes expanding. It’s a characteristic feature of homemade banana bread and adds to its rustic charm.
Can I make this without a loaf pan?
If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use an 8×8 inch square baking pan. The baking time may be slightly shorter (30-35 minutes), so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. You’ll get thicker, bar-style pieces instead of traditional slices.
There you have it-your complete guide to making the viral emma macdonald banana bread recipe right in your own kitchen! This naturally sweetened, gluten-free loaf proves that healthy baking can be just as delicious as traditional recipes.
With its perfect balance of sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, and incredible moisture, it’s no wonder Emma’s banana bread has captured hearts everywhere. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your baking rotation.
Now grab those overripe bananas and get baking-your kitchen is about to smell absolutely amazing!
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