Banana Bread Scones Recipe

The Best Banana Bread Scones Recipe: Soft, Sweet Morning Magic

Banana bread scones merge two beloved breakfast classics into one irresistible pastry that converts ordinary mornings.

These delectable treats blend familiar banana comfort with the flaky, tender texture of traditional scones, creating a unique culinary experience.

Their golden-brown exterior hints at the moist, fragrant interior waiting to delight your senses.

Warm spices and ripe fruit notes dance together, promising a symphony of flavors in every single bite.

Soft yet structured, these scones offer a sophisticated twist on familiar breakfast fare that elevates simple ingredients.

Unexpected and charming, they prove that classic recipes can always welcome delightful reinvention.

Prepare to fall in love with a breakfast sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why These Scones Are the Best of Banana Bread and Brunch

  • Savor Banana Bliss: Transforms ordinary banana bread into delightful scones, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: Requires minimal technical skills, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers who want a foolproof yet impressive treat that comes together quickly.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a versatile breakfast or snack option that combines the warmth of cinnamon, richness of walnuts, and a decadent brown sugar glaze, creating an irresistible morning or afternoon indulgence.
  • Convenient Storage Solution: Stays fresh for up to four days when properly covered, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings or unexpected guests who crave a homemade treat.

Ingredients That Bring Out the Best Banana Flavor

Scone Base:
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and bulk to the scones.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
  • Baking Powder: Provides leavening to help scones rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements banana flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Bananas, Milk: Create moisture and contribute to the soft, tender texture of scones.
  • Yogurt: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and enhances sweetness.
  • Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a flaky texture.
Garnish and Additions:
  • Walnuts: Brings nutty crunch and additional texture to the scones.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like glaze with deep flavor.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Forms the smooth, sweet glaze topping.
  • Raw Sugar or Sprinkles: Optional decorative and textural element for finish.

How to Shape and Bake Tender, Moist Scones

Step 1: Prepare Banana Mixture

Mash bananas and add milk to reach if needed. Stir in yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Cut butter into tiny pieces and blend into dry ingredients using a fork or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in walnuts.

Step 3: Create Dough

Pour banana mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently just until ingredients are moistened, avoiding overmixing to keep scones tender.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Dough

Dust a dinner plate with flour and parchment paper. Turn out dough onto the plate and shape into a 1-inch thick disk. Sprinkle with additional flour if sticky. Cover with another parchment paper sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Transfer Dough

Remove top parchment paper from chilled dough. Carefully flip onto prepared baking sheet, peeling off remaining paper.

Step 7: Cut and Bake Scones

Slice dough into 8 wedges, leaving space between each for expansion. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers feel firm.

Step 8: Cool Scones

Remove from oven and let cool completely, separating any scones that may have stuck together.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

Melt butter and milk in microwave, using 30-second intervals. Add brown sugar and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

Step 10: Finish Glaze

Gradually whisk in confectioners’ sugar, adjusting quantity to reach desired consistency.

Step 11: Decorate and Store

Drizzle glaze over cooled scones. Optionally sprinkle with raw sugar or colorful sprinkles. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tips to Avoid Dryness and Add Just the Right Crumble

  • Mash Bananas Precisely: Use ripe, spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor, ensuring they're completely smooth before mixing.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Mix ingredients minimally to prevent tough scones; overmixing activates gluten and creates dense, chewy texture.
  • Chill for Perfection: Freezing dough for 30 minutes helps butter stay cold, creating flakier, more tender scones with better rise.
  • Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to divide dough into wedges, cleaning blade between cuts for crisp edges.
  • Glaze with Care: Allow scones to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, beautiful finish.

How to Store for a Soft Texture the Next Day

  • Refrigeration: Carefully wrap your banana bread scones in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. These delightful treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and soft texture.
  • Freezing: Slide the scones into a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack option. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Warm individual scones in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore their crisp edges by popping them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

What Drinks and Spreads Match These Brunch Beauties

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these banana bread scones with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the nutty walnut and sweet banana flavors, creating a harmonious morning breakfast experience.
  • Elevate with Creamy Spread: Enhance the scones' texture by serving alongside a smooth maple-cinnamon butter or a tangy cream cheese spread, which adds a luxurious depth to each delightful bite.
  • Seasonal Beverage Matching: During cooler months, serve these warm scones with a spiced chai latte that echoes the cinnamon notes, or in summer, enjoy with a cold vanilla almond milk for a refreshing contrast.
  • Unexpected Fruit Pairing: Accompany the scones with a small side of fresh berry compote or caramelized apple slices, which will brighten the overall flavor profile and provide a delicious fruity counterpoint to the rich, nutty scone.

Tasty Variations That Keep the Flavor Fresh

  • Tropical Banana Nut Fusion: Replace walnuts with toasted macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile that brings tropical vibes to your scones.
  • Chocolate Banana Indulgence: Fold in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle cocoa powder into the dry ingredients to create a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Spiced Banana Breakfast Boost: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger alongside existing cinnamon, then mix in dried cranberries for a warm, complex taste that elevates morning enjoyment.
  • Maple Pecan Banana Remix: Swap brown sugar glaze with pure maple syrup and top scones with candied pecans, creating a deep, caramelized flavor that complements the banana's natural sweetness.
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Banana Bread Scones Recipe

Banana Bread Scones Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Fluffy banana bread scones merge classic comfort with British pastry charm. Warm spices and ripe bananas create a perfect morning treat you’ll savor with coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Wet Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces milk
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 2 ounces milk

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cups confectioners sugar
  • Raw sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas, supplementing with milk to reach one full cup. Incorporate yogurt and vanilla extract, stirring until uniformly blended.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Dice cold butter into miniature cubes and integrate into dry ingredients using fingertips or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gently fold chopped walnuts throughout the mixture.
  3. Create a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour banana liquid mixture. Delicately fold until ingredients are just moistened, avoiding excessive stirring to maintain scone tenderness.
  4. Transfer dough onto a flour-dusted parchment-lined plate. Gently shape into a circular disk approximately 1-inch thick, dusting with additional flour as needed. Cover with another parchment sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  5. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
  6. Remove top parchment layer and invert chilled dough onto prepared baking sheet, carefully peeling off remaining paper.
  7. Using a sharp knife, segment dough into eight equal wedges, leaving slight spacing between each for expansion during baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges transform to golden brown and surface feels firm when touched.
  8. Allow scones to cool completely on baking sheet, ensuring they do not stick together.
  9. Prepare glaze by melting butter and milk together in microwave, stirring intermittently. Incorporate brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  10. Gradually whisk confectioner’s sugar into liquid mixture, adjusting quantity to achieve desired consistency.
  11. Generously drizzle glaze over cooled scones. Optional: Sprinkle raw sugar or decorative sprinkles for additional visual appeal. Store in sealed container at room temperature for up to four days.

Notes

  • Chilled dough ensures scones maintain their shape and develop a flaky, tender texture during baking.
  • Freezing the dough for 30 minutes helps solidify butter, creating delightful layers when baked.
  • Gentle mixing prevents tough scones, keeping the texture light and crumbly.
  • Mashing ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture to the pastry.
  • Walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the banana’s softness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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