Name: Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492191H4M59S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but lovely); 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1/3 cup neutral oil (or melted butter); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred); 1 tsp vanilla paste; 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp milk or cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla paste; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; Pinch of salt

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There is something truly magical about this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe. It combines the moist, tender crumb made possible by luscious Greek yogurt with the natural sweetness and comforting aroma of ripe bananas. Then, just when you think it couldn’t get any better, a rich and buttery brown sugar pecan glaze takes it over the top, adding decadence and crunch with every bite. Imagine a treat that’s cozy enough for breakfast, yet indulgent enough for dessert — that’s exactly what this recipe delivers, and I cannot wait to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a small black pot filled with bubbling golden caramel sauce with a shiny, sticky texture. Above the pot, a clear glass bowl held by a woman's hand contains a layer of chopped pecans, which are light and dark brown with a rough texture. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt to the crunchy sweetness of pecans in the glaze, every element enhances this banana bread in a unique way.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure while keeping the bread soft and chewy.
1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness, making the flavors pop.
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy depth that complements the banana perfectly.
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Gives the bread a subtle molasses note and moist texture.
1/3 cup neutral oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread tender and prevents it from drying out.
2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s rich texture.
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred): The star ingredient that adds moisture and a slight tang for a more complex flavor.
1 tsp vanilla paste: Infuses a delicious aroma and sweetness that elevates the entire loaf.
3 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/4 cups): Naturally sweet, they bring moistness and fruit flavor in every bite.
2 tbsp butter (for glaze): For that silky richness in the glaze that coats the top of the bread perfectly.
2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze): Adds a caramelized, deep sweetness in the glaze.
1 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze): Creates the ideal consistency for the warm glaze to drizzle luxuriously.
1/2 tsp vanilla paste (for glaze): Enhances the flavor complexity of the glaze.
1/2 cup chopped pecans: Brings a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Just enough to balance the sweetness and tie the glaze flavors together.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature right when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper if you want an easy release and less cleanup. The right preparation here will help your bread maintain its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. This step may seem simple, but it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, so every bite is consistent in flavor and texture. Setting aside this dry mix will make combining it with wet ingredients seamless.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the brown sugar, oil, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla paste, and mashed bananas until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture will look creamy and slightly fluffy. The Greek yogurt makes this batter uniquely moist and adds a tender crumb that isn’t heavy or dense like some banana breads can be.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet one. The key here is not to overmix — stir just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Leaving a few small lumps is actually beneficial because overworking the batter develops gluten and makes the bread tough. This delicate folding creates a tender, fluffy bread you will adore.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll want to check readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The house will fill with an irresistible aroma during this time.

Step 6: Cool Before Glazing

After removing from the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool further. It’s important to wait until it’s mostly cool before glazing because a warm glaze on hot bread will just slide off. Patience here ensures the glaze sets beautifully on top.

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the milk or cream, vanilla paste, and pinch of salt. Let the mixture gently bubble for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly — this luscious glaze will coat the bread perfectly. Finally, remove from heat and fold in the chopped pecans, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts the softness of the bread.

Step 8: Drizzle and Set

Spoon the warm glaze liberally over the cooled banana bread, allowing it to drip down the sides. As the glaze cools, it will soak in a bit and set just enough to add a glossy, sticky, and nutty finish to the loaf. This final touch turns an already excellent banana bread into an unforgettable treat.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe

The image shows four slices of banana bread layered on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each slice is light brown with small darker brown specks inside, showing the bread's moist and soft texture. The top of every slice has a light golden brown layer of a sticky nut topping with visible pieces of walnuts scattered on it. The edges of the bread are slightly darker, giving a crisp look. The slices are arranged in a slightly overlapping way, with the closest slice fully visible in the front and the others behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the pecans in the glaze add crunch and visual appeal, you can take the presentation up a notch by sprinkling extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top. Fresh banana slices or a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese can also be wonderful garnishes that enhance each slice’s flavor.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more filling brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with fresh, tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the banana bread and lightly toasting it before serving to add a subtle crunch to the outside. You can also cut it into smaller squares and serve as finger food at gatherings. Drizzling a little extra brown sugar pecan glaze on each individual piece right before serving will impress your guests and keep things deliciously moist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and glazed, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it should remain fresh and moist for up to three days, ideal for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

This Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for several hours.

Reheating

For the perfect slice, warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. If reheating a whole loaf, cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through without drying out. Feel free to add a little extra glaze to refresh the topping during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat?

Absolutely! While full-fat Greek yogurt adds extra richness, low-fat Greek yogurt will still give you that signature moistness and subtle tang without as much fat. Your banana bread may just be a touch lighter in texture.

What can I substitute for pecans in the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, walnuts work beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar crunch and flavor. For a nut-free option, you can omit the nuts altogether and still enjoy a delicious, sticky brown sugar glaze.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! For maximum sweetness and banana flavor, use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown. Overripe bananas mash easily and infuse the bread with natural sweetness and moisture.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Simply divide the batter evenly into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins are a convenient, portable way to enjoy all the deliciousness of this recipe.

Why is Greek yogurt used instead of regular yogurt or sour cream?

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, giving the bread a wonderful moist texture without making it too dense. It also has a mild tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of bananas and brown sugar, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Greek Yogurt Banana Bread With Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze Recipe, I guarantee it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Its moist, tender crumb teamed with that irresistible, buttery pecan glaze makes for a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, it’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Get baking and savor every blissful bite!