Banana Bread Recipe No Butter With Cardamom-Orange Ribbon And Pistachio Crunch

I always feel like I’ve won the baking lottery when I find extra-ripe bananas on my counter, and this easy banana bread recipe no butter is my favorite way to celebrate them.

This particular banana bread recipe no butter is a game-changer because it delivers a wonderfully moist, tender crumb without a single stick of butter, relying instead on a different source of fat. It’s perfect for families looking for a hearty, family-friendly snack that feels elevated thanks to the unexpected pop of cardamom, orange, and crunchy pistachios in every bite. This recipe is for busy families who want a showstopper without the fuss, offering a rich cardamom-orange ribbon and crunchy pistachios. I love making this version when I want a healthy-ish treat that feels special, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert.

Ingredients

300g (3-4 medium) very ripe bananas, mashed
For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas with lots of brown spots on the skin.
Mash thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving only a few small lumps for texture.
Ensure you measure 300 grams (about 1 1/4 cups) after mashing.
120ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
This replaces butter to create a super moist crumb and adds richness without needing to wait for butter to soften.
Any neutral oil like canola oil or light olive oil will work as a substitute here.
Make sure it’s a high-quality oil to avoid any off-flavors.
2 large eggs, at room temperature
Room temperature eggs create a better emulsion with the oil and contribute to a lighter rise.
If you forgot to take them out, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes before using.
150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed
Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture that white sugar lacks in this context.
Always pack the sugar firmly into the measuring cup to ensure you have the correct amount.
5ml (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract
This enhances the banana flavor and adds a warm undertone to the bread.
Ensure you use alcohol-free vanilla to avoid any harsh notes in the baked loaf.
250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
Use standard all-purpose flour, measuring carefully by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and results in a dense bread.
5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
Baking soda reacts with the acidic bananas and brown sugar to give the bread lift.
Ensure your baking soda is fresh (active for about 6 months after opening).
2g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
Salt balances the sweetness of the sugar and bananas.
Use fine sea salt rather than kosher salt to ensure even distribution without overpowering the flavor.
115g (4 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, softened
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for the ribbon filling.
Ensure it is fully softened at room temperature; cold cream cheese will be lumpy when beaten.
60g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
Used to sweeten the cream cheese filling.
Sifting the powdered sugar will prevent clumps in the ribbon.
2g (1 teaspoon) ground cardamom
Cardamom adds a unique, warm, and slightly floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange and bananas.
Ensure the spice is fresh for maximum impact.
Zest of 1 large orange (approximately 5g)
Use a microplane or fine zester to get just the orange part (zest) and avoid the bitter white pith.
Reserve a small amount of zest (about 1/2 teaspoon) for garnishing the finished loaf.
15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh orange juice
This thins the cream cheese filling slightly and brightens the overall flavor.
Squeeze fresh juice for the best result; avoid pre-bottled juice.
40g (1/4 cup) shelled pistachios, finely chopped
Pistachios add texture and a lovely contrast to the soft bread and creamy filling.
Finely chop 30g for mixing into the ribbon and reserve the remaining 10g for the final garnish.

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour a standard 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf pan. For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the long sides.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, light brown sugar, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
This no-butter method simplifies mixing by eliminating the creaming step for this banana bread recipe no butter.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step prevents pockets of leavening and ensures a balanced rise.
Fold Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps of flour are actually okay and help keep the bread tender.
Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a dense, tough loaf. This banana bread recipe no butter works best when you stop mixing as soon as everything comes together.
Make the Cardamom-Orange Ribbon
In a third bowl, prepare the ribbon filling: beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, ground cardamom, half of the orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and creamy. Once smooth, fold in 30g (3 tablespoons) of the finely chopped pistachios. Set this filling aside while you assemble the loaf.
Layer the Loaf
Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese-pistachio filling over the batter, then gently spread it to cover most of the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from touching the pan directly. Carefully spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover the filling completely.
Swirl and Bake
Using a butter knife or skewer, gently insert it into the batter and make one or two large S-shaped motions to create a ribbon effect. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center (avoiding the cream cheese ribbon) comes out with moist crumbs attached. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cool and Garnish
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully lifting it out by the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 2 hours; slicing early will cause the ribbon to ooze and the loaf to crumble. To serve, slice thickly and garnish each piece with the remaining finely grated orange zest and chopped pistachios, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.

Why You’ll Love This No-Butter Recipe

The key to a truly great banana bread is moisture, and this banana bread recipe no butter achieves it effortlessly. Using oil instead of butter gives the crumb a different, more tender quality that stays soft for days, unlike butter-based bread which can harden as it cools.

This method also eliminates the need for creaming butter, making for a faster, simpler prep process that’s perfect for quick meals; a simple whisk and spatula are all you need to combine the ingredients. The added cardamom, orange, and pistachios elevate this classic from an everyday snack to a special-occasion centerpiece, a perfect family-friendly treat.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

Make Ahead: The finished loaf can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Wrap this banana bread recipe no butter tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Storing Slices: Slices of banana bread can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, though the cream cheese ribbon may slightly firm up when chilled.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar or swap it out?

You can reduce the light brown sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly changing the texture. This banana bread recipe no butter already gets sweetness from the ripe bananas, so a slight reduction works well for healthy eating. Avoid artificial sweeteners as they don’t provide the same moisture or structure.

Can I omit the cream cheese ribbon?

Yes, you can omit the ribbon completely and simply bake the plain banana bread for a simpler, less indulgent version. The baking time will be slightly shorter (check at 45 minutes), but the core recipe remains a delicious, family-friendly snack, perfect for high-protein snacks or quick meals. This no-butter method works beautifully on its own.

How do I get a perfect swirl/ribbon effect?

Be gentle when creating the swirl; the goal is to move the knife through the layers once or twice, not to fully mix them together. If you swirl too much, the ribbon will disappear into the batter. When I make this specific banana bread recipe no butter, I make sure the layers are distinct before swirling and limit myself to just one long, gentle pass with the knife.

My loaf top browned quickly but the center is raw. What happened?

This usually means your oven temperature is too high or your loaf pan is dark metal. Reduce the temperature by 10°C (25°F) and/or tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through baking. For my home oven, I keep the loaf on the middle rack for consistent heat distribution for this no-butter recipe.

Can I use different nuts or flavors?

Absolutely. Walnuts or pecans are classic substitutions for pistachios and provide a similar crunch. You can also swap the cardamom for cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling if preferred. For a gluten-free option, substitute a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for the all-purpose flour in this easy banana bread recipe no butter.

Conclusion

This easy banana bread recipe no butter delivers a wonderfully moist crumb and an impressive flavor combination with the cardamom-orange ribbon and pistachio crunch. It’s the perfect no-fuss recipe for using up overripe bananas and creating a new family favorite; save this recipe to your Pinterest board for quick access to your next healthy breakfast or high-protein snack.