Kona Inn Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is a classic, but the Kona Inn version? It’s an absolute game-changer! If you’ve tried various banana bread recipes, this one will knock your socks off. It’s moist, flavorful, and has just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert!
I’m not kidding when I say I’ve made this banana bread about a dozen times now, and it’s always a hit. It has that perfect mix of sweetness, texture, and richness. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Servings
This recipe serves about 8 slices, depending on how thick you cut them.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
60-70 min
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the more speckled, the better)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can go less if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Step by Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Add Walnuts (Optional)
If you're using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now.Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the banana bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Banana Bread Recipe Jamie Oliver: Try adding some yogurt to the batter for extra moisture—just like Jamie Oliver’s style.
- America's Test Kitchen Banana Bread Recipe: Incorporate some sour cream for a richer texture if you want that “test kitchen” effect.
- Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe Without Buttermilk: You can swap in regular milk or even almond milk if you're out of buttermilk.
- Cooking Light Banana Bread Recipe: For a lighter version, use half the sugar and swap out some of the butter for applesauce.
- Julia's Banana Bread Recipe: Julia Child’s banana bread sometimes uses a mix of whole wheat and white flour—try that for added depth of flavor.
- Kitchenaid Banana Bread Recipe: If you’ve got a stand mixer, use it! It’ll mix the batter without overworking it.
- Banana Bread Recipe BA: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the bread a subtle spice that’s pure magic.
Nutrition
- Calories: About 210 per slice
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
Diet & Allergen Info
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Not gluten-free or dairy-free unless modified.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes really well! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in a freezer-safe bag.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Just thaw them and mash them up when ready to use. Frozen bananas are often even sweeter.
Can I make this recipe without walnuts?
Yes, definitely! You can skip the nuts or swap them for something else like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Related Recipes:
If you love this recipe for goulash, you might also enjoy my recipe goulash with extra veggies or my easy goulash recipe easy that uses ground turkey for a healthier twist!
Patricia J. Harris is a passionate recipe creator with a love for crafting delicious, easy-to-follow dishes. Her expertise in diverse cuisines brings bold, accessible flavors to home cooks. She loves experimenting with ingredients, blending tradition with creativity to make cooking easy and fun.