The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Banana Bread

As someone who loves baking, I know banana bread is a crowd-pleaser. It’s sweet, moist, and comforting, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

But have you ever wondered what to serve with banana bread? While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right foods and drinks can take your banana bread experience to the next level.

In this article, I’ll explore the best pairings for dark brown banana bread and share some creative ideas you might not have thought of before.

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What To Serve With Banana Bread For Different Occasions?

Banana bread is a versatile treat that you can enjoy on any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or a delicious dessert, banana bread has you covered.

Here are some ideas for what to eat with banana bread for different occasions:

Breakfast

Here are a few ideas for what to serve with banana bread for breakfast:

Eggs: Serve your banana bread with a side of scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet for a complete and balanced breakfast.
Yogurt: Top your banana bread with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola or nuts for a healthy and satisfying start to your day.
Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is another excellent source of protein and calcium that pairs well with banana bread. For a delicious and nutritious breakfast, top it with your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Peanut butter or almond butter: Spread peanut or almond butter on your banana bread for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast. For added sweetness, you can also top it with sliced bananas, honey, or maple syrup.

Lunch

Here are a few ideas for what to eat banana bread with in lunch:

Soup: Serve a bowl of soup with a slice of banana bread for a comforting and satisfying lunch. Some good soup options include chicken beans soup, chicken rice soup, or lentil soup.
Salad: Pair a slice of banana bread with a side salad for a light, refreshing lunch. You can make your own salad or buy a pre-made one from the store.
Sandwich: Make a sandwich with your favorite fillings, such as ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and serve it with a slice of bread on the side.
Wrap: Fill a whole-wheat tortilla with your favorite fillings, such as grilled chicken, vegetables, and hummus, and serve it with a slice of banana bread on the side.

Dinner

Here are a few fantastic ideas for what to serve with banana bread for dinner:

Grilled chicken or fish: Serve a BBQ chicken breast or fish fillet with a side of roasted vegetables and a slice of banana bread for a light and healthy dinner.
Steak: Serve a steak with a side of cheesy potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a slice of banana bread for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Pasta: Serve a pasta dish, such as spaghetti with marinara sauce or macaroni and cheese, with a side of banana bread for a delicious and comforting dinner.
Rice: Serve a rice dish, such as fried rice or chicken and rice, with a side of banana bread for an easy and quick dinner.

Dessert

Here’s what to serve with banana bread for dessert:

Ice cream: Top it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce for a decadent and delicious dessert.
Whipped cream: Serve your banana bread with a side of whipped cream and fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over your banana bread for a rich and flavorful dessert.
Fresh fruit: Serve your banana bread with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, for a healthy and delicious dessert.

Potlucks

Here’s what goes well with banana bread for potlucks:

Coffee and tea: Serve coffee and tea with your banana bread for a classic potluck offering.
Water, juice, and soda: Serve water, juice, and soda with your banana bread to keep your guests hydrated.
Chips and pretzels: Serve chips and pretzels with your banana bread for a salty and savory snack.
Dip: Serve it with a dip, such as hummus, guacamole, or salsa, for a mouthwatering and easy appetizer.
Fruit and vegetables: Serve it with a side of fresh fruit and veggies for a healthy and refreshing snack.
Sandwiches and wraps: Serve it with an array of sandwiches and wraps for a satisfying and portable potluck option.
Salads: Serve your banana bread with an assortment of salads, such as potato salad or chicken salad, for a light, refreshing potluck dish.
Desserts: Serve your banana bread with a variety of desserts, like cookies, brownies, and cake, for a sweet and satisfying potluck option.

Banana Bread For Picnics

When packing a picnic, picking foods that are easier to transport and consume on the go is essential.

Banana bread is a perfect picnic food because it’s portable, delicious, and can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

Here are some ideas for what to have with banana bread at a picnic:

Hard-boiled eggs: They are an outstanding source of protein and can aid you in feeling full and satisfied. They’re also easy to peel and eat on the go.
Cheese: It is another excellent source of protein and can be a tasty addition to your picnic basket. Try pairing your banana bread with a mild cheese like cheddar or brie.
Fruit: Fresh fruit is a healthy, refreshing snack that pairs well with banana bread. Try packing various fruits, such as grapes, strawberries, and blueberries.
Trail mix: Trail mix is a great way to get a boost of energy and nutrients while you’re out enjoying your picnic. Look for a trail mix containing various nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Banana Bread For Parties

If you’re hosting a party, banana bread is a great way to impress your guests. It’s a classic dessert that everyone loves.

Here are some ideas for what to pair with banana bread at a party:

Cream cheese: Cream cheese is a classic pairing for banana bread. It adds a rich and creamy flavor that complements the banana bread’s sweetness.
Whipped cream: Whipped cream is another delicious way to dress up your banana bread. It’s light and airy, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert plate.
Chocolate chips: Chocolate chips are a fun and festive addition to banana bread. They add a burst of sweetness and chocolate flavor to every bite.
Nuts: Nuts are a healthy and flavorful topping for banana bread. Try chopping up some walnuts, pecans, or almonds and sprinkling them over your slices of banana bread.

Banana Bread For Gifts

Banana bread is a delightful and thoughtful gift for any occasion. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or to show someone you care.

Here are some tips for giving banana bread as a gift:

Wrap it up nicely: Place your banana bread in a decorative gift box, wrap it in cellophane, and tie it with a ribbon.
Add a personal touch: Include a handwritten note or card with your gift.
Pair it with something else: Consider pairing your banana bread with another gift, like a box of chocolates, a fine bottle of wine, or a lovely bouquet of flowers.

What To Serve With Banana Bread For People With Different Dietary Restrictions?

Banana bread is a tasty and versatile treat that can be enjoyed by people with a variety of dietary restrictions.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with banana bread for people with allergies, intolerances, celiac disease, and diabetes:

Banana Bread For People With Allergies

If you are serving banana bread to someone with allergies, check the ingredients list carefully to avoid allergens.

Some common allergens in banana bread include dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with banana cake for people with allergies:

Dairy-free: Serve banana bread with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or yogurt. You can also top banana bread with dairy-free whipped cream or sour cream.
Egg-free: Serve banana bread with a side of fruit or vegetables. You can also top banana bread with nuts or seeds.
Nut-free: Serve banana bread with a side of yogurt or cottage cheese. You can also top banana bread with dried fruit or chocolate chips.

Banana Bread For People With Intolerances

If you are serving banana bread to someone with intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance, ensure to pick a recipe that is free of the ingredients they are intolerant to.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with banana bread for people with intolerances:

Lactose intolerance: Serve banana bread with a scoop of lactose-free ice cream or yogurt. You can also top banana bread with lactose-free whipped cream or sour cream.
Gluten intolerance: Serve banana bread with a side of gluten-free toast or crackers. You can also top banana bread with sliced fruit or nuts.

Banana Bread For People With Diabetes

If you are serving banana bread to someone with diabetes, select a recipe that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.

You can also reduce the amount of sugar in a traditional banana bread recipe by using a sugar substitute.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with banana bread for people with diabetes:

Unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese: Serve it with a side of unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese. You can also top it with nuts or seeds.
Fruit or vegetables: Serve it with a side of fruit or vegetables. This is a great way to add fiber to your meal.

Banana Bread For People With Vegan Diets

If you’re serving banana bread to an individual who follows a vegan diet, you’ll want to ensure that all of the ingredients in the bread are vegan-friendly.

This means avoiding any dairy products, eggs, and honey. There are plenty of vegan banana bread recipes available, and most traditional banana bread recipes can be easily adapted to be vegan.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with vegan banana bread:

Vegan butter and jam
Vegan whipped cream
Fresh fruit, like berries, bananas, or mangoes
Vegan yogurt
A cup of coffee or tea

Banana Bread For People With Paleo Diets

Paleo diets eliminate all grains, dairy products, legumes, and processed foods. This means that traditional banana bread is not paleo-friendly.

However, several paleo banana bread recipes are available that utilize alternative ingredients, such as almond flour and coconut oil.

Here are some ideas for what to serve with paleo banana bread:

Avocado
Nuts and seeds
Hard-boiled eggs
Fresh fruit
A cup of coffee or tea

Banana Bread For People With Keto Diets

Keto diets are very low in carbohydrates and high in fat. This means that traditional banana bread is not keto-friendly.

Nevertheless, there are several keto banana bread recipes available that utilize alternative ingredients, like almond flour, coconut oil, and sugar substitutes.

Here are a few brilliant ideas for what to serve with keto banana bread:

Peanut butter
Whipped cream
Fresh berries
A cup of unsweetened coffee or tea

No matter what dietary restrictions your guests have, there’s a way to make banana bread that everyone can enjoy.

Just ensure to check the ingredients in your banana bread recipe and guarantee that all of the ingredients are compatible with your guests’ diets.

Here are some additional tips for serving banana bread to people with different dietary restrictions:

If you’re unsure what to serve with banana bread, ask your guests what they like. They may have some suggestions for toppings or sides that you haven’t thought of.
Be sure to label all your food so your guests know what they’re eating. This is especially important if you have guests with food allergies or intolerances.
If you’re serving banana bread at a party or potluck, offer a variety of toppings and sides so that everyone can find something they enjoy.

With some planning, you can easily make banana bread a part of your next gathering, even if your guests have different dietary restrictions.

What To Serve With Banana Bread Depending On The Season?

Here are some ideas for summer, fall, winter, and spring fruits and vegetables to serve with banana bread:

Summer Fruits And Vegetables To Serve With Banana Bread

1. Fresh Berries

Top banana bread with a medley of fresh summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The burst of color and juicy sweetness complements the warmth of the bread.

2. Sliced Peaches Or Nectarines

Enjoy the summer bounty with slices of ripe peaches or nectarines. Their juicy and fragrant nature adds a delightful freshness to banana bread.

3. Mango Salsa

Create a tropical twist by serving banana bread with homemade mango salsa. Dice mangoes and combine with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of chili for a flavorful topping.

Fall Fruits And Vegetables To Serve With Banana Bread

1. Cinnamon-Apple Compote

Simmer sliced apples with cinnamon and a touch of sugar to create a warm and comforting apple compote. Spoon it over banana bread for a taste of autumn.

2. Pumpkin Butter Spread

Embrace fall flavors with a spread of pumpkin butter on banana bread. The rich and spiced pumpkin notes add a seasonal touch.

3. Roasted Pears

Roast pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg until tender. The caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with the moist banana bread.

Winter Fruits And Vegetables To Serve With Banana Bread

1. Cranberry-Orange Relish

Mix fresh cranberries with orange zest and a bit of sugar to create a zesty relish. The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of banana bread.

2. Pomegranate Seeds

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of banana bread for a burst of color and a juicy pop. Pomegranates are in season during winter and add a refreshing element.

3. Warm Spiced Compote

Combine winter fruits like apples, pears, and dried figs in a warm, spiced compote. Add cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of honey for a comforting accompaniment.

Spring Fruits And Vegetables To Serve With Banana Bread

1. Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce

Embrace the arrival of spring with a strawberry-rhubarb sauce. The tangy and sweet combination enhances the flavor of banana bread.

2. Lemon Glaze

Drizzle banana bread with a light lemon glaze for a citrusy kick. This adds a touch of brightness and freshness to the treat.

3. Fresh Mint and Berries

Garnish banana bread with a handful of fresh mint leaves and a mix of spring berries. The combination is not only visually appealing but also refreshing.

These seasonally inspired pairings allow you to make the most of fresh, in-season produce, creating a delightful experience that complements the changing flavors of the year.

Can You Eat Banana Bread With Custard?

Custard is a creamy, rich sauce made with eggs, sugar, and milk. It’s a popular dessert sauce in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, and it pairs surprisingly well with banana bread.

The custard’s sweetness complements the bread’s sweetness, and the custard’s creaminess adds a luxurious texture.

If you’re looking for a simple custard pairing, try serving warm banana bread with a drizzle of custard over the top. You can also bake the custard into the bread for a more decadent treat.

Alternatively, you could serve banana bread with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, which is a classic dessert pairing that works well with the flavors of eggless banana bread.

What Drink Goes Well With Banana Bread?

As mentioned earlier, coffee and tea are classic pairings for banana bread. But if you’re looking for something a little different, there are other drinks that work well with the bread.

For example, milk or hot chocolate make for a comforting pairing that’s perfect for a cold day. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair banana bread with a spiced chai latte or a matcha latte for a unique flavor combination.

You could also pair banana bread with fruit juice or a smoothie for a refreshing treat. Orange or apple juice would work well, or you could make a smoothie with bananas, yogurt, and your favorite berries.

What To Spread On Banana Bread?

When it comes to spreads, many options pair well with banana bread. Butter is a classic choice, adding richness and flavor to the bread.

You could also spread cream cheese on your banana bread for a tangy, creamy twist. Nutella and peanut butter are delicious options that add extra sweetness and flavor.

Try spreading almond butter or avocado on your banana bread if you want a healthier option. Both spreads are full of healthy fats and nutrients, and they pair surprisingly well with the flavors of the bread.

Do You Put Butter On Banana Bread? Debunking The Butter Debate

There’s a bit of a debate in the baking community about whether or not to put butter on banana bread.

Some people believe that the bread is already rich and moist enough, while others swear by adding a pat of butter for extra flavor.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you like butter on your banana bread, go ahead and add some. If not, the bread is still delicious on its own.

What Ice Cream Goes With Banana Bread?

If you’re looking for a sweet dessert pairing for your banana bread, ice cream is the way to go. Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that works well with the flavors of banana bread.

You could pair the bread with a scoop of chocolate or strawberry ice cream for a more decadent treat. Try making a banana split with your banana bread for a fun twist.

Slice the bread and layer it with ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings. It’s a fun way to enjoy banana bread as a dessert.

Other Creative Pairings To Try With Banana Bread

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several other creative pairings to try with banana bread. For example, you could serve the bread with bacon or sausage for a savory twist.

Or, you could make a breakfast sandwich with bread, eggs, and cheese. If you’re seeking a more indulgent treat, try making a banana bread French toast.

Dip slices of the bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and then fry them up in a pan until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries for a decadent breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion

So, what to serve with banana bread? Well, there are many delicious pairings that work well with banana bread.

Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast pairing or a decadent dessert, there’s a combination of foods and drinks that will elevate your banana bread experience.

So next time you bake a loaf of banana bread, try pairing it with one of these suggestions and see how it enhances the flavors and textures of the bread.