Banana Pecan Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

This incredible banana pecan bread is the perfect thing to bake for all those cozy feels you need right now. We know the world doesn't need another banana bread, but this is the last and only one you will need. Packed with tons of maple pecan flavor and texture, this snacking cake is best served with your favorite hot drink. Why not try our Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine or go all out with our Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate!

You need this pecan bread in your life, it's perfectly fluffy and packed full of toasty flavors. Or, if you're after something a bit more fruity, why not try our Pear & Chocolate Crumble, Pear Cake or Apple Oatmeal Muffins. To be honest though, you really can't beat topping this banana bread with our maple cream cheese frosting.

We know you'll love this recipe so don't forget to leave us a comment and rating in the recipe card below. We've done all the testing, so you can be assured this recipe is fool proof. Follow the links below to get to where you need.

Reasons you need this banana pecan bread in your life:

Easy - this recipe is really straight forward and easy to follow. There are only a few additional steps to create the extra flavor you need in this pecan bread.

Frosting - we give you the tips on making our (optional) maple cream cheese frosting that just takes this banana bread to the next level. You will NOT regret it.

Flavor - pecans have a wonderful natural caramel flavor to them which make this banana pecan bread extra special, especially when combined with maple syrup.

Unique - our unique twist on banana bread will convert even the avid haters to lovers. It truly is the best way to have banana bread.

Waste free - use up those overripe bananas that always seem to be around, it's a great way to use them, along with using them in smoothies like our blackberry strawberry banana smoothie.

Pecans - we incorporate pecans into this banana pecan bread in two ways. You'll toast and blitz half of them into a flour and the others are roughly chopped. This gives great texture and flavor to the bread.

Bananas - you'll need nice and ripe bananas, they smash really easily and add the moisture and acidity we need to activate the raising agents.

Maple syrup - we recommend using pure maple syrup for the caramelly, almost smoky notes of flavor it provides. You can use whichever grade you can get hold of.

Cream cheese - for the cream cheese, we don't have block cream cheese in the UK, so make sure that if you do, you soften it at room temperature first.

Butter - as Julia Child would say, "with enough butter, anything is good!" We use unsalted as we season our bakes separately.

We know you love to mix things up with customizations and substitutions, so here are some of our recommendations for this pecan bread recipe:

Nuts - change up the nuts. You can toast some walnuts instead, or even hazelnuts. We love the pecans, maple pecan is a classic combination, but most nuts would work well.

Coffee - Add a spoonful or two of espresso powder into the batter along with the cinnamon to give it that coffee twist.

Chocolate chips - we think chocolate chips would be great in this banana pecan bread, especially if you don't fancy making the frosting. White chocolate chips would be amazing. Check out our chocolate chip zucchini bread too.

Melted butter - if you prefer a slightly denser banana bread you can use melted butter instead of whipping it. We haven't tested this pecan bread this way but we're confident it will work.

Make into other things - this recipe is a great base for muffins or even other cakes; try out our Maple Pecan Pear Cake.

Make sure to read and follow these expert tips to ensure complete success with this banana pecan bread recipe:

Blitzing pecans - we recommend being careful when blitzing the pecans. Let them cool fully before blitzing, but also pulse on and off so you don't turn them into a pecan butter. They express their oil very quickly.

Over mixing - we want to protect the light fluffy texture of the banana pecan bread so don't overmix the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir just until combined.

Paper liner - buy some loaf tin liners, they make your life so easy and we're all about saving time and hassle.

Baking time - start testing for doneness at 50 minutes using a cake tester, it needs to come out clean.

As much as we would definitely try to consume this banana pecan bread in a single day we don't always manage it, here's how to store it:

Fridge - if you've chosen to use our maple cream cheese frosting, we recommend storing this banana bread in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it is wrapped up though.

Freezer - for longer term storage you can store slices individually wrapped in the freezer (for faster defrosting). Or the whole banana bread if you prefer. However we recommend that you don't freeze it with the frosting on top. Freeze for 3 months.

Room temperature - if you keep this banana bread un-frosted, you can store it wrapped up at room temperature for 3-4 days. If frosted, store in the fridge as above. If it's humid in your house, store in the fridge either way.

We can all do better to reduce our food waste in the world nowadays, here are some suggestions on how to do this:

Freeze overripe bananas - if you have a bunch of overripe bananas peel them, lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag for cakes and smoothies another time. You can do this peeled, unpeeled or even smashed up.

Freeze leftovers - leftovers are often forgotten about. Wrap them up and freeze them and you can defrost for another time.

Serve others - make as much as you will consume, freeze the rest or put a smile on your friends' or families' faces by taking them some slices. Or simply invite others to join you to enjoy this banana pecan bread.