The perfect marriage of soft, sweet bananas and the beloved crunch of Oreo cookies comes together in this irresistible Oreo Banana Bread. Whether you’re a long-time banana bread lover or an Oreo aficionado, this recipe blends the best of both worlds for a treat that’s moist, rich, and unforgettable.
Great for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this quick bread is easy to make and even easier to devour. The crushed Oreos baked into the loaf and sprinkled on top add a chocolaty, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft banana crumb. Serve it warm with a bit of butter or just as-is for a heavenly bite every time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/3 cup melted butter
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 egg, beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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Pinch of salt
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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14 Oreo cookies, crushed (divided – 10 for the batter, 4 for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
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Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
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Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, and mix well.
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Add the flour and stir just until the flour disappears.
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Gently fold in 10 crushed Oreo cookies, leaving chunks for texture.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Sprinkle the remaining 4 crushed Oreos on top of the batter for a crunchy finish.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Story Behind Oreo Banana Bread
Oreo Banana Bread is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the moist, naturally sweet banana bread and the iconic chocolatey crunch of Oreo cookies. While banana bread has been a staple in home kitchens for generations, Oreo cookies bring in a playful twist, turning a humble loaf into a fun, indulgent treat. This recipe is especially loved by families, kids, and anyone looking to jazz up their banana bread game. Whether it’s for a weekend baking project or a surprise dessert after dinner, this creative loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The origin of this creation stems from the growing trend of hybrid desserts—where classic baked goods get a modern, often nostalgic update. Oreo Banana Bread is no exception, blending the timeless flavors of bananas and butter with a satisfying cookie crunch in every bite. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of two favorites merged into one irresistible loaf.
Why This Recipe Works
There are a few reasons this Oreo Banana Bread stands out in the world of quick breads. First, it’s incredibly moist, thanks to the use of ripe bananas. The bananas don’t just sweeten the loaf naturally—they also keep it soft and tender for days. Next, the melted butter infuses the bread with rich flavor, while the crushed Oreo cookies provide a deep cocoa flavor with bursts of creaminess from their signature filling.
Another reason this recipe is so successful is its balance of textures. Banana bread on its own is soft and cake-like, but with Oreo cookies folded into the batter and sprinkled on top, you get layers of crunch and chew in every bite. The contrast between the delicate crumb and the crisp cookies keeps the loaf exciting, slice after slice.
What Makes It Different from Traditional Banana Bread
Traditional banana bread is already comforting and delicious, but the addition of Oreos turns this everyday classic into a dessert-worthy indulgence. Instead of nuts or chocolate chips, crushed Oreo cookies are used, offering a unique texture and a richer chocolate flavor.
This banana bread also becomes more visually appealing with the cookie chunks scattered throughout and on top of the loaf. You get dark flecks of cookie in the golden brown crumb, making it not only a treat to eat but a feast for the eyes as well.
For people who find classic banana bread a bit too simple, this recipe gives them something new to enjoy while keeping the preparation just as easy and beginner-friendly.
Best Occasions to Serve Oreo Banana Bread
Oreo Banana Bread is versatile and suitable for a wide range of occasions. It’s perfect for casual family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or afternoon coffee breaks. You can serve it as a comforting after-school snack for kids or dress it up for a dessert table at gatherings and parties.
Because it keeps well for several days, it’s also a great make-ahead option. You can bake it in advance, wrap it tightly, and slice it as needed for lunchboxes, potlucks, or road trips. You can even freeze individual slices for quick snacks later on.
For special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or cozy seasonal get-togethers, you can enhance this loaf by adding a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent treat.
Tips for Success and Customization Ideas
The success of this recipe largely depends on using ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and soft skin—they mash easily and blend beautifully into the batter.
Another tip is not to overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough or dense instead of tender.
As for the Oreos, feel free to customize the way you incorporate them. Some prefer finely crushed cookies for a more uniform chocolate flavor throughout, while others like larger chunks for extra crunch. You can also experiment with flavored Oreo varieties—like mint, peanut butter, or birthday cake—for fun flavor variations.
Want to go even further? Try adding a swirl of cream cheese or chocolate ganache into the batter for an ultra-rich version. Or make mini loaves or muffins for individual portions.
Storage and Shelf Life
One of the most practical benefits of this recipe is how well it stores. After baking and cooling, you can wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.
You can also freeze the entire loaf or individual slices. Just wrap in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
This make-ahead capability makes Oreo Banana Bread perfect for busy households or anyone who wants a quick sweet treat on hand.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
While Oreo Banana Bread leans more toward the indulgent side of baking, it still has some redeeming qualities. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and natural sugars, which help reduce the need for refined sugar. The recipe also uses a modest amount of butter and sugar, making it less heavy than other dessert-style breads.
If you’re looking for healthier swaps, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use coconut sugar instead of white sugar. Dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter or flax eggs can also be used to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
While it’s not necessarily a “health food,” this loaf allows you to enjoy dessert with a bit of balance, especially if served in smaller portions or paired with nutritious sides like fruit or yogurt.
How Kids Can Help Make It
This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids! Young bakers can help peel and mash the bananas, crush the Oreos in a zip-top bag, and stir the batter. Measuring ingredients, greasing the pan, and topping the batter with crushed cookies are all safe and fun tasks for little helpers.
Baking with kids encourages learning, confidence, and creativity—and with Oreo Banana Bread, they’re sure to enjoy the process and the results. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste by using bananas that might otherwise be tossed.
Fun Serving Ideas
Oreo Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with some creative serving ideas. Toast a slice and slather it with butter or peanut butter for a decadent breakfast. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a plated dessert. Or serve it warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for maximum indulgence.
You can also use it as the base for banana bread French toast, layer it in trifles, or even make Oreo Banana Bread pudding with leftover slices. However you serve it, the flavor combo of banana and Oreo is always a hit.
Conclusion
Oreo Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional banana loaf, bringing together the comforting familiarity of ripe bananas with the irresistible crunch and chocolatey richness of Oreo cookies. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and customizable for every taste or occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, this loaf checks every box—flavor, texture, creativity, and nostalgia.
It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something memorable, and once you try it, you’ll likely be asked to make it again and again. From casual snacking to festive desserts, Oreo Banana Bread brings smiles to every table and leaves behind nothing but crumbs.