If you love freshly baked banana bread, this banana bread syrup recipe is a must to upgrade your drinks. Made with real bananas, sugar, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, this homemade syrup brings bakery-style flavour into your tea, coffee and beyond.
What is Banana Bread Syrup?
Banana bread syrup is a homemade flavoured simple syrup that captures the delicious taste of banana bread in liquid form. The flavour is rich with a hint of warmth from the spice and vanilla. It can be used to sweeten drinks while giving them a flavour reminiscent of a slice of banana bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like real banana bread, not artificial banana flavour.
- Easy to make as it is ready in under 15 minutes.
- No waste! It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas.
- Versatile as it works in hot lattes, iced lattes or even cocktail recipes.
Ingredient Notes
- Bananas: Make sure you are using a ripe banana. The riper, the better as overripe bananas add more natural sweetness.
- Water: This simple syrup recipe is an 1:1 ratio of water and sugar.
- Sugar: An even mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Cinnamon: This spice gives the syrup the classic banana bread taste.
- Vanilla: You can use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (see recipe for proper measurements of either).
- Salt: A small pinch balances sweetness and enhances the flavours.
Banana Bread Syrup Recipe
Ingredient measurements and full directions are in the printable recipe card below.
Step One: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the mashed banana, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon and salt. Stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
Step Two: Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Three: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add vanilla and stir.
Step Four: Let the banana bread syrup cool then pour it into an airtight container through a fine mesh filter to remove the solids (ie. mashed banana pieces) from the simple syrup. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Contents may separate over time, so it is recommended to stir or shake before using.
How to Use Banana Bread Syrup
This homemade banana bread simple syrup can be used for more than just tea or coffee.
- Stir into lattes for a banana twist
- Add to iced tea for an extra sweetness and spiced
- Flavour and sweeten cold foam to top iced drinks
- Stir into hot chocolate for a sweet banana flavour
- Drizzle over oatmeal or pancakes
- Stir into yogurt bowls
- Add a splash to a cocktail or mocktail
Frequently Asked Questions
What does banana bread syrup taste like?
The taste is slightly caramelized with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Everything you love about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread (or banana bread scones)!
What is the shelf life of this homemade banana bread syrup?
This syrup will last up to 2 weeks if stored properly. It is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Shake or stir well before using as natural separation may occur.
Can you use banana syrup in tea?
Yes! It pairs especially well with black tea and some green teas like matcha and hojicha.
More Simple Syrup Recipes to Try:
Banana Bread Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the mashed banana, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon and salt. Stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
- Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add vanilla and stir.
- Let the banana bread syrup cool then pour it into an airtight container through a fine mesh filter to remove the solids (ie. mashed banana pieces) from the simple syrup. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Contents may separate over time, so it is recommended to stir or shake before using.