There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite twist on this beloved classic – a Matcha Banana Bread that combines the earthy richness of Japanese green tea powder with sweet, ripe bananas. This recipe transforms the traditional comfort food into a nutritious, antioxidant-packed treat that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a healthy dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As someone who’s experimented with countless banana bread variations, I can confidently say this matcha version stands out. The vibrant green hue isn’t just for show – it represents the powerful antioxidant properties of matcha green tea powder. When combined with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, it creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

Nutritional Benefits
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this matcha banana bread is a nutritional powerhouse:
Ingredient | Key Benefits |
---|---|
Matcha Powder | High in antioxidants (EGCg), boosts metabolism, enhances focus |
Ripe Bananas | Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, fiber |
Whole Wheat Flour | Contains fiber, protein, B vitamins |
Greek Yogurt | High in protein, probiotics, calcium |
Honey | Natural sweetener, antibacterial properties |
Walnuts (optional) | Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, healthy fats |
Essential Ingredients
For this recipe, quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Overripe Bananas | 3 medium (about 1½ cups mashed) | Should have brown spots |
Ceremonial Grade Matcha | 2 tablespoons | Use high-quality powder for best results |
Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups | Can substitute all-purpose flour |
Greek Yogurt | ½ cup | Plain, unsweetened |
Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
Honey | ⅓ cup | Raw honey preferred |
Coconut Oil | ¼ cup | Melted and cooled |
Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure extract recommended |
Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon | |
Salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
Walnuts (optional) | ½ cup | Chopped |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or strong arm for whisking)
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Bring eggs to room temperature
- Melt coconut oil and let it cool slightly
- Mash bananas until smooth
- Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Sift whole wheat flour to remove lumps
- Sift matcha powder to ensure no clumps remain
- Whisk together flour, matcha, baking soda, and salt
- Set aside
- Mix Wet Ingredients (10 minutes):
- In a separate bowl, whisk mashed bananas until smooth
- Add Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract
- Mix in melted coconut oil
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined
- Combine and Bake (55-65 minutes):
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
- Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Pro Tips for Perfect Matcha Banana Bread
I’ve learned these valuable lessons through many test batches:
- The riper your bananas, the better – wait until they’re covered in brown spots
- Sift your matcha powder thoroughly to avoid bitter clumps
- Don’t overmix the batter; stop when ingredients are just combined
- Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly
- Let cool completely before slicing for clean cuts

Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Room Temperature | 2-3 days | In airtight container |
Refrigerated | 1 week | Wrap in foil or plastic wrap |
Frozen | 3 months | Double wrap to prevent freezer burn |
Serving Ideas:
- Lightly toasted with a spread of almond butter
- Topped with fresh banana slices and a drizzle of honey
- Paired with matcha latte for double the green tea goodness
- Served alongside fresh berries and yogurt
- Perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Bread is too dense | Overmixing or too much flour | Mix until just combined, measure flour correctly |
Center is undercooked | Oven temperature too high | Use oven thermometer, adjust baking time |
Too bitter | Too much matcha or poor quality | Reduce matcha amount, use ceremonial grade |
Sinks in middle | Opening oven door too soon | Wait until last 10 minutes to check doneness |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Replace the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend adding an extra egg to help with binding.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: You can substitute with regular yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado for a dairy-free option.
Q: Can I reduce the honey amount?
A: Absolutely. The bananas provide natural sweetness, so you can reduce or replace the honey with applesauce or mashed dates.
Q: Why is my matcha bread not bright green?
A: The color depends on your matcha quality and quantity. Ceremonial grade matcha will give you the brightest color. Culinary grade tends to be more muted.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these delicious twists:
- Add dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch
- Include shredded coconut for tropical flavor
- Mix in dried cranberries or goji berries
- Sprinkle hemp seeds on top for extra nutrition
- Swirl in white chocolate matcha ganache
Health Benefits Deep Dive
This recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritious! Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Nutrient | Amount per Slice | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 185 | – |
Protein | 5g | 10% |
Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
Potassium | 215mg | 6% |
Antioxidants | High | – |
The combination of matcha and bananas creates a powerhouse of nutrition that:
- Supports sustained energy levels
- Enhances mental clarity
- Promotes digestive health
- Provides steady blood sugar levels
- Supports immune system function
Remember, this isn’t just another banana bread recipe – it’s a delicious way to incorporate more antioxidants and nutrients into your daily routine while enjoying the comfort of home-baked goodness.