Matcha Swirl Banana Bread (Print Version)

Tender banana loaf with a vivid matcha swirl, combining green tea's earthiness and ripe banana sweetness for moist slices.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
05 - 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Matcha Swirl

09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder
10 - 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Transfer about 1 cup of the batter to a small bowl. Add the matcha powder and milk, stirring until well combined and green in color.
06 - Spoon half of the plain banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the matcha batter on top. Repeat with remaining plain batter, then finish with the rest of the matcha batter.
07 - Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect—do not overmix.
08 - Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marbled swirl and vivid green from matcha make this a true showstopper at brunch or as a gift.
  • No need for fancy tools or techniques—just two bowls, one loaf pan, and a willingness to swirl a little boldly.
02 -
  • Overmixing is the hidden villain—resist temptation, or your loaf turns gummy instead of cloudlike.
  • The matcha must be fully incorporated with the milk before swirling, or you get bitter green streaks instead of delicate ribbons.
03 -
  • Let your bananas get almost completely brown-spotted—this intensifies their aroma and sweetness, transforming your bread’s base flavor.
  • Sifting the matcha before mixing ensures a smooth, even swirl with no stubborn clumps.
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