Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist banana bread laced with warm ground cardamom, finished with a tangy yogurt glaze for a delightful twist on a classic. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 8 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cardamom.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: While bread cools, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth to make the glaze.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle the yogurt glaze over the warm banana bread slices before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom-Spiced Banana Bread with Yogurt Glaze?

General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.