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Matzo Meal Banana Bread Passover Recipe

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If you’re looking for a delicious Passover dessert that’s simple to make, this matzo meal banana bread is the perfect choice! With sweet bananas, rich chocolate chips, and no need for specialty ingredients like potato starch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits the occasion beautifully. This recipe combines convenience and flavor, making it ideal for using up ripe bananas during Passover or any time of year!

This matzo meal banana bread is moist, sweet and full of banana flavor! Loaded with chocolate chips, it makes a perfect dessert for Passover!

Why You’ll Love Matzo Meal Banana Bread

Passover-friendly: This recipe is specifically designed for Passover, using matzo meal instead of flour and leaving out leavening agents for those observing strict dietary laws. It’s a creative way to enjoy banana bread during the holiday!
Simple ingredients: You only need five pantry staples to create this recipe—no hunting for potato starch or special products. It’s convenient and easy to whip up!
Moist and flavorful: Despite not having oil, this banana bread stays incredibly moist thanks to the mashed bananas. The chocolate chips add a touch of decadence in every bite.
Customizable texture: If you’re not observing Passover or prefer a fluffier loaf, adding a teaspoon of baking powder transforms the texture while keeping the flavor intact.
No food waste: This recipe is an excellent way to use up overripe bananas and leftover matzo, making it both delicious and resourceful!

What happens when you have some overripe bananas to use up? The natural inclination, of course, is to make a banana bread! But what happens if you are observing Passover? Use matzah of course :)

This matzah banana bread recipe uses matzo meal (ground up matzah) instead of flour. The result is a sweet moist treat with a delicious banana taste and the chocolate chips inside to top is all off!

I created this recipe because I couldn’t find an existing matzo meal banana bread recipe that fits my needs. I had 3 very brown bananas on the counter and it was Passover, so I had this idea of making a matzo banana bread. When I started searching the Internet for a recipe, every single one of them had potato starch as one of the ingredients. Potato starch is definitely not something I normally have in my pantry, and I certainly didn’t feel like going to the grocery store :)

If something doesn’t exist, you just have to create it, so that’s how this recipe was born. I had a spontaneous idea of making a matzo banana bread at the spur of the moment, using the ingredients I had on hand, and the result was yum! At last – now you found a matzo banana bread recipe without potato starch!

There are 2 ways you can make this matzo banana bread – with or without baking powder. Baking powder is a leavener, and all leaveners are prohibited during Passover, so during Passover you leave it out. However, if it’s after Passover and you are just trying to use up leftover matzah, then add the baking powder in. Baking powder will make the banana bread taller and fluffier. The matzo banana bread on my picture doesn’t have any baking powder in it, so it’s pretty flat with a really moist texture – tastes delicious!

Ingredients For Matzo Meal Banana Bread

Matzo meal – Acts as the base, replacing traditional flour to make this recipe Passover-friendly.
Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bread.
Ripe bananas – Provide natural sweetness and keep the bread moist. Mash them well to ensure smoothness.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the banana flavor.
Chocolate chips – Add a decadent touch and pockets of melty chocolate goodness.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Another great thing about this matzo banana bread recipe is that it uses just 5 simple ingredients – matzo meal, bananas, eggs, sugar and chocolate chips. There is no added oil – this bread is so moist that it doesn’t need the extra fat! You can use purchased matzo meal, or you can make your own matzo meal by grinding up matzah into powder in a food processor. Making your own matzo meal is a great way to use leftover matzah!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Matzo Meal Banana Bread

Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements to ensure perfect results.
Large mixing bowl – To mix all the ingredients together easily.
Hand or stand mixer – Whisks the eggs and combines the ingredients efficiently.
Fork – To mash the bananas until smooth.
Non-stick 9×5-inch loaf pan – The ideal size for baking the banana bread evenly.
Parchment paper – Ensures the bread doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Non-stick cooking spray – Prepares the pan for easy release of the baked bread.

How To Make Matzo Meal Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl using a mixer until frothy.
Mix in the sugar until it dissolves, creating a smooth batter.
Gradually add the matzo meal, mixing well to avoid lumps.
Stir in the mashed bananas, ensuring everything is well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the banana bread cool completely before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the matzo meal banana bread on a dessert platter with fruit like Fresh Blueberries or Juicy Red Globe Grapes for a vibrant presentation.
Pair slices with a cup of Warm Lemon Honey Tea or Homemade Creamy Iced Coffee Latte for a cozy snack or dessert.
Top with a dollop of Sugar-Free Whipped Cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent touch.
Enjoy it warm, straight out of the oven, with Rich Chocolate Frosting Made with Melted Chocolate Chips enhancing every bite.
Slice it into smaller pieces to include in a dessert buffet for a Passover gathering.

Tips For Success

Use very ripe bananas: Bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
Mash bananas thoroughly: Make sure there are no large chunks, as these can create uneven textures in the bread. A fork works well for mashing.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the best results.
Grease and line your pan properly: This ensures that the bread releases easily after baking. Non-stick spray combined with parchment paper is the best approach.
Test for doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking the bread at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Cool completely before slicing: Letting the bread cool prevents it from crumbling when you slice it. A completely cool loaf also holds its shape better.
Customize if desired: You can add raisins or nuts for a different texture. For a fluffier texture (if not observing strict Passover rules), try adding a teaspoon of baking powder.
Make your own matzo meal: Grind matzah in a food processor for a fresher, cost-effective alternative to store-bought matzo meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Add-ins: Mix in raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. For a nutty twist, walnuts or pecans work beautifully.
Matzo cake meal: For a finer texture, substitute matzo meal with matzo cake meal. This creates a slightly smoother and more delicate bread.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free matzo meal to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Grind gluten-free matzah for a homemade option.
Dairy-free chocolate chips: To make the recipe completely dairy-free, ensure the chocolate chips you use are labeled as dairy-free or vegan.
Baking powder: If not strictly observing Passover, adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder will create a taller, fluffier loaf.
Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread, letting the bananas provide most of the sweetness.
Spices: For an added flavor boost, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the banana and chocolate flavors.
Serving size adjustment: Double the recipe and divide the batter into two smaller loaf pans for sharing or freezing.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating slices: If you enjoy your banana bread warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven at a low setting until warmed through.
Reheating the whole loaf: To reheat the entire loaf, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This helps retain its moisture while gently reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use matzo cake meal instead of matzo meal?

Yes, you can substitute matzo meal with matzo cake meal. The result will be a finer-textured bread, as matzo cake meal is ground more finely.

What can I use if I don’t have matzo meal?

You can make your own matzo meal by grinding matzah into a fine powder using a food processor. This is a great way to use up leftover matzah!

Can I add baking powder to this recipe during Passover?

If you follow strict Passover dietary rules, avoid using baking powder unless it is certified kosher for Passover. Otherwise, adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder will make the bread fluffier.

How should I prepare the bananas for this recipe?

Make sure the bananas are very ripe, with brown spots for maximum sweetness. Mash them thoroughly with a fork to remove any lumps for a smooth batter.

Is it okay to use gluten-free matzo meal?

Yes, gluten-free matzo meal works perfectly in this recipe. It’s an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Can I freeze the banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I leave out the chocolate chips?

Yes, the chocolate chips are optional. The banana bread will still be moist and flavorful without them, or you can substitute them with raisins or nuts for a different twist.

Why does my banana bread come out too moist in the middle?

This could be due to underbaking or too much banana in the batter. Ensure the bananas are properly measured and bake the bread until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Other Easy Matzo Recipes

Simple Matzo Ball Soup Recipe for Beginners – This comforting soup features light, fluffy matzo balls in a flavorful broth that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Classic Matzo Brie Breakfast Recipe – A quick and delicious Passover-friendly dish, this matzo brie combines crispy matzo with eggs for a satisfying start to your day.

Sweet Matzo Crackers with Jam Spread – These crunchy matzo crackers topped with your favorite jam are a simple, sweet treat perfect for snacking or breakfast.

Other Easy Banana Recipes

Authentic Filipino Boiled Saba Bananas Recipe – Enjoy the natural sweetness of saba bananas in this easy-to-make traditional Filipino snack or side dish.

Quick Nutella and Banana Sandwich Snack – This creamy and sweet sandwich pairs rich Nutella with ripe bananas for a delightful snack or breakfast option.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Recipe – Indulge in a creamy, guilt-free chocolate banana ice cream that’s vegan, paleo, and perfect for hot days.

Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie for Breakfast – Packed with protein and natural sweetness, this smoothie is a quick and nutritious way to start your morning.

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Matzo Meal Banana Bread Recipe - Perfect Passover Dessert!

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