Whole Wheat Graham Cracker Banana Bread

Do you have ripe bananas on the counter? This delicious loaf of banana bread has a toasty flavor and crunchy top. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast and snacks. You might want to make two loaves, it won’t last long!

What make this recipe special

• The whole wheat adds nuttiness without heaviness
• Graham crackers bring toasty, caramel-ish notes and a delicate crunch on top

Ingredient Notes

• Bananas: very ripe (lots of spots) = natural sweetness and moisture. Mash until mostly smooth with a few small bits
• Flour: Whole wheat or white whole wheat both work; the latter is milder in flavor. If the batter seems overly thick, a splash of milk can loosen it.
• Graham Crackers: finely crushed for even texture, blot excess oil if using chocolate-dipped styles (flavor changes)
• Sweetener and fat: use your standard mix; keep sugars balanced so the graham cracker flavor shines
• Mix-ins (optional): chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a light graham sprinkle on top for crunch

The story of this Graham Cracker Banana Bread

I am declaring myself a professional at taking care of kids. Recently I’ve been helping with feeding, dressing, diapers, bedtime, repeat. They’re not mine (I’m nineteen), and no, I don’t get paid. With my cousins visiting, it’s washing out bottles, making chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, and cleaning up messes that reappear in minutes. My parents do most of the heavy lifting; I just pitch in because honestly I can’t say no to kids. Their faces get me every time. They really know how to work me…

I am nineteen going on thirty…someone please send me a life.

One thing I know for sure is that kids LOVE S’mores. There have been requests for s’mores all week long. Marshmallows + Chocolate is like, kid heaven.

Ok, so the banana bread? I put graham crackers in it. You know why?

Because I was so sick of making S’mores and then cleaning sticky fingers, faces and counters. I needed to use all the graham crackers. All of them. Every last one. Turns out is was one of the better ideas I have had lately. First off, because I now had a legitimate excuse as to why I couldn’t make any more S’mores, but more importantly, because this bread is a freaking amazing!

This bread is essential to my sanity right now. If you have kids, I am pretty sure you know what I am talking about. Gosh, I just love bananas! I hear they make little people sleepy!

It’s amazing I still snagged these photos without a tiny hand in frame.

Technique Tips

• Don’t overmix once dry ingredients meet wet ingredients – stir just until you see no dry streaks. Overmixing = tougher loaf.
• Pan prep: line with parchment sling for clean release
• Batter thickness: the batter should ribbon off of the spatula. It shouldn’t pour like water or stand up like dough.
• Doneness: top is domed and springs back; a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs; edges just begin to pull away

Swaps and Variations

• Flour: swap to white whole wheat for a lighter taste; whole wheat pastry flour will make the bread soft and tender
• No graham crackers? Use biscuits or vanilla wafers for toasty notes that will only change the flavor slightly
• Warm spices: cinnamon or cardamom pairs really well graham + banana
• Topping ideas: sprinkle extra crumbs + a pinch of coarse sugar for a delicate crust

Serving & Pairing

• Slice thick and serve warm with salted butter or a swipe of honey.
• Lovely with coffee or a spiced chai for a cozy afternoon snack.

Make Ahead, Storage and Freezing

• Make-ahead batter: mix dry and wet separately, combing just before baking for best lift
• Storage: once cool, wrap well; keeps tender at room temp for a couple of days
• Freeze: whole loaf or slices, wrap tightly to retain moisture

Looking for more banana bread recipes? Try these!

• Cinnamon Crunch Swirled Banana Bread
• Chocolate Chunk Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
• Maple Banana Bread with Cinnamon Spice Butter
• Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread

Lastly, if you make this Graham Cracker Banana Bread, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!