If you adore the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread but crave something with a sophisticated twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe. Bright notes of citrus intertwined with the warm, exotic fragrance of cardamom elevate the classic banana bread into a loaf that’s packed with personality, flavor, and that cozy, irresistible texture you want to come back to again and again. It’s like a little celebration in every bite, perfect for weekend mornings, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up with a unique flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together in harmony to create a loaf bursting with moistness, spice, and bright citrus flavor. Each component plays a key role: from the ripest bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to the fragrant cardamom and orange zest that bring a fresh zestiness and unforgettable warmth.
- ⅓ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the bread tender and moist.
- 3 very ripe bananas: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and that signature banana flavor.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Injects a fresh, vibrant citrus brightness that lifts the entire loaf.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice: Enhances the citrus notes while adding a bit of acidity for balance.
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom: Brings aromatic warmth and a distinctive exotic flavor that pairs beautifully with banana.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of cozy spice without overpowering the cardamom.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully with a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without masking the spices.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a mellow, fragrant backdrop that complements both banana and spices.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for the loaf to rise and hold its shape.
How to Make Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfect, even bake from the moment your batter goes in. Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick spray—this simple step means your bread will release effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
In a large bowl, grab those very ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will end up, so don’t be shy about letting them get nice and soft. This step is where the creamy, moist base begins.
Step 3: Add Citrus and Butter
Now stir in the melted butter, along with the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. The butter adds lusciousness, and the citrus ingredients bring that bright, lively note that truly makes this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe sing with flavor.
Step 4: Spice and Sweeten
Mix in the ground cardamom, cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Then add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring everything together until the mixture looks homogenous. This combination of spices will give the bread its unforgettable warmth and depth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Flour
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as that could make your bread dense and tough rather than tender and fluffy. A light hand will preserve the perfect crumb texture.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time will be downright intoxicating—you’ll know it’s ready when the edges pull slightly away from the pan.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to slice immediately. Let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes to firm up, which makes slicing neater and the texture even better. Then, slice and prepare to fall in love with every bite of this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a few fresh orange zest curls or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your banana bread slices just before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a smear of softened butter or a drizzle of honey can take it over the top.
Side Dishes
This bread is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of black tea or a creamy latte. For a more filling experience, serve it alongside Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries—adding a cool, tangy contrast to the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your loaf into a centerpiece by slicing it thick and stacking the slices layered with mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of marmalade or orange curd. For brunch gatherings, slice and arrange with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and candied nuts for a stunning platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for quick breakfasts or portable snacks during the week.
Freezing
If you want to make your loaf ahead of time, this banana bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It will keep its texture and flavor for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast lightly to refresh the flavor and bring out the aromatic notes of cardamom and citrus. Adding a dab of butter during reheating makes it taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus instead of orange?
Absolutely! While orange zest and juice are perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with lemon or lime for a different but equally delightful citrus punch. Just adjust the amount to keep the balance right.
What if I don’t have cardamom?
Cardamom is a key flavor in this recipe, but if it’s not available, you can substitute with an equal amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe, swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, and use a plant-based milk instead of orange juice for a slightly different but tasty variant.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make your banana bread tough and dense rather than soft and tender. Stir just until the flour disappears for the best texture.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even completely brown skins. They’re sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor, which makes the bread incredibly moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about the combination of citrus and cardamom in banana bread—it’s unexpected, delightful, and comforting all at once. This Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic flavors with a fun twist. Once you bake this, it will become one of those treasured recipes you turn to time and time again, and trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven every single time.
Print
Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with fragrant cardamom and bright citrus notes from orange zest and juice. Moist and flavorful, this loaf offers a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, making it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas using a fork until smooth and mostly lump-free, which will provide moisture and sweetness.
- Add Citrus and Butter: Stir the melted butter, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice into the mashed bananas, blending the flavors evenly.
- Mix Spices and Sugar: Add the ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar to the banana mixture. Stir to incorporate all spices and sugar well.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Pour in the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring gently until combined for binding and aromatics.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour last, stirring just until the mixture is combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. After cooling, remove the bread from the pan, slice into 8 or 8 slices, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense bread.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- If cardamom is unavailable, ground nutmeg can be used as an alternative spice.
- Store the banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
