Citrus Cardamom Banana Bread

This citrus cardamom banana bread brings a fresh and aromatic twist to the comforting classic. The bright orange notes combined with warm spices elevate the familiar banana flavor into something truly special and cozy. It is a lovely choice for morning coffee or an afternoon treat.

I first baked this loaf on a chilly weekend morning when I wanted something a little different than usual. Now it is a favorite that always gets requested for brunch.

Ingredients List

• Butter: melted to add richness and moisture Choose unsalted for better control over salt in the recipe
• Very ripe bananas: for natural sweetness and a tender crumb Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots
• Orange zest: fresh and vibrant Use unwaxed oranges for the brightest flavor
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: provides subtle acidity and freshness
• Ground cardamom: lends a unique sweet-spicy fragrance Make sure your spice is fresh for the best aroma
• Ground cinnamon: brings warming depth and pairs perfectly with cardamom
• Baking soda: helps the bread rise and get a tender crumb
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Granulated sugar: sweetens gently without overpowering
• Large egg: beaten adds structure and richness
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile
• All-purpose flour: creates the basic structure Choose a good quality flour for even texture

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray so the bread releases easily after baking.

Mash Bananas:

Use a fork to mash the bananas thoroughly in a large bowl until they become a smooth, saucy consistency without lumps.

Add Citrus and Fat:

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas along with the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. This combination adds moisture and a bright citrus glow.

Mix Spices and Sugars:

Add the cardamom, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly to disperse the spices evenly throughout the batter.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing gently so everything comes together without overworking the batter.

Incorporate Flour:

Add the flour and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the bread tender and moist rather than dense.

Bake The Bread:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center& it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

Cool and Slice:

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for about 30 minutes before carefully taking it out and slicing.

I love how the orange zest perfectly balances the sweet banana in this bread. One memory that sticks is sharing fresh slices with my family on a sunny weekend, everyone savoring the unexpected twist on a beloved favorite.

Best Storage Practices

Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced bread in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw gently at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen for a quick refresh.

Ingredient Swaps

You can substitute orange zest and juice with lemon for a different citrus note that is slightly more tart. If you do not have cardamom, using ground nutmeg or allspice works well to maintain that warming spice flavor. To make this bread dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

Serving Pairings

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a great breakfast companion. A smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey brings out the sweet spice flavors wonderfully. Fresh fruit or a side of yogurt adds a refreshing contrast if serving for brunch.

This bread is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that brings warmth and brightness to any table.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of bananas work best?

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, which helps create a tender crumb.

→ Can I substitute cardamom with another spice?

While cardamom offers a unique floral warmth, cinnamon or nutmeg can provide a similar cozy spice character.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.

→ Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bread dense and tough rather than soft and tender.

→ Can I use fresh citrus juice instead of bottled?

Freshly squeezed juice is preferred as it provides brighter flavor and better aroma to the loaf.