Baking banana bread in a can is an easy and fun twist on a classic recipe. It tastes just as delicious as a traditional loaf and makes the cutest little gifts for any occasion.

The recipe for banana bread in a can was first published in June 2011. The photos and post were redone and republished in May 2025.
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Can Bread
Years ago, I joined a monthly swap for hostess gifts and decided to create something sweet. I knew sour cream banana bread would be perfect because I had ripe bananas on the counter.
Although baking a plain loaf seemed too simple. I wanted to make something special that would catch people's attention!
A quick search led me to the cutest idea of baking banana bread in a can. This unique approach was quirky and totally unexpected. I immediately washed out a few green bean cans (after making dinner with them) and got to work.
Why I Love This Recipe
- I love how fun and surprising it is. People are always delighted to see homemade banana bread baked in a can.
- It’s a sweet twist on classic banana bread and makes people smile. Each one is the perfect size for individual servings.
- I love upcycling old cans to give them a second life. Turning them into mini baking tins adds a cozy, vintage touch and makes each loaf feel extra special.
- The cans are easy to decorate. I love adding a ribbon and tag for cute, ready-to-give gifts.
Main Ingredients
To make banana bread in a can, you'll need simple ingredients from your kitchen plus a few ripe bananas.
- Unsalted Butter: Let the butter sit out until softened. You should be able to cream the butter and sugar easily.
- Sugar: A combination of brown and white sugar sweetens the batter and gives it a more moist texture.
- Eggs: Add moisture and hold the ingredients together.
- Overripe Bananas: For best results, use ripe bananas with black spots. If yours are not ready yet, see our tips on how to ripen green bananas for baking.
- Sour Cream: Gives the bread a soft, tender crumb. You can also use plain Greek yogurt.
- Flour: We use all-purpose flour in most of our recipes. To avoid adding too much, use the fluff and spoon method or a kitchen scale.
- Quick Oats: Add texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the round loaves. You can also use old-fashioned oats if you pulse them in a food processor first.
- Cinnamon: Gives the bread a slightly warm flavor.
- Baking Essentials: Baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt are basics that everyone usually has on hand.
How To Bake Bread In A Can
Making sweet bread in a can is easier than you think. Especially if you follow our clear step-by-step directions in this easy recipe.
- Beat the sugars and softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and creamy.
- Mix again with eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until the batter forms.
- Spoon the batter into the greased cans, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake until a skewer inserted in the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool for ten minutes, then slide it out and stand it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Recommendations
Wrap the tops of the quick breads tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store them on the counter at room temperature for 4 to 5 days.
You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
BruCrew Tips
- Wash the cans thoroughly and remove the labels before you start. Be sure to check for sharp edges. To keep things safe, I prefer using a smooth-edge can opener.
- Spray the inside of the cans with a nonstick cooking spray. This allows the baked bread to slide right out without any sticking.
- Do not overfill the cans with batter. This particular recipe will make four cans of bread. If you are using another recipe, only fill the cans ¾ full.
- Wrap the cans with parchment paper, then decorate the top and bottom using a glue stick and cupcake liners. You can also customize them with labels or a cute gift tag.
- These fun canned breads make great gifts for hostesses, neighbors, teachers, or thank you baskets.
- For a fun twist, stir mini semisweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
FAQs
Yes, it is safe as long as you’re using clean, food-grade cans with no plastic lining or BPA coating. Most standard tin-plated steel cans (like soup or vegetable cans) are fine. Avoid any can that looks rusted or has a white lining, which can melt or release chemicals when heated.
Cans that hold about 15 ounces are perfect. Make sure all surfaces have been cleaned, labels have been removed, and the edges are smooth. Coffee cans can also work if you're making a larger loaf.
More Banana Bread Recipes
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Banana Nut Bread
- Banana Muffins
- Oreo Banana Bread
- Blueberry Banana Bread
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
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Recipe
Banana Bread in a Can
Baking banana bread in a can is an easy and fun twist on a classic recipe. It tastes just as delicious as a traditional loaf and makes the cutest little gifts for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium sized ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup quick oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray four clean 15-ounce tin cans with nonstick baking spray.
- Beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, mashed banana, vanilla, and sour cream and mix until incorporated.
- Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oats. Mix well.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared tins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 42-45 minutes.
- A skewer inserted in should come out mostly clean, and the bread will be golden on top. Let cool in the cans for 10 minutes. Then flip out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
- After the bread has cooled, put it back in the cans. Top with a small circle of plastic and a cupcake liner. Tie with ribbon or twine.
Notes
- Wash the cans thoroughly and remove the labels before you start. Be sure to check for sharp edges. To keep things safe, I prefer using a smooth-edge can opener.
- Spray the inside of the cans with a nonstick cooking spray. This allows the baked bread to slide right out without any sticking.
- Do not overfill the cans with batter. This particular recipe will make four cans of bread. If you are using another recipe, only fill the cans ¾ full.
- Wrap the cans with parchment paper, then decorate the top and bottom using a glue stick and cupcake liners. You can also customize them with labels or a cute gift tag.
- These fun canned breads make great gifts for hostesses, neighbors, teachers, or thank you baskets.
- For a fun twist, stir mini semisweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: ½ canAmount Per Serving: Calories: 397Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 520mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 3gSugar: 30gProtein: 6g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Jenn Erickson
I love the idea of bread in a can as a hostess gift! And that banana bread with the pb cups sounds incredible!
Thank you for linking up to "A Little Birdie Told Me..."!
Jenn
The Answer Is Chocolate
I have never tried this but what a great idea and way to recycle a can! I'll never look at my cans the same way. Thanks for linking up my friend!
Audrey @ Sweet Cheeks
LOVE! This is how my Grandma taught me to make Banana Bread...I've never seen anyone else make it in cans and it's always a BIG hit! Perfect at Christmas time!
Miranda
So. I kind of want to make this just for myself. Seriously. I think I'll host my own party and give myself a gift. 🙂
Kristin
LOVE the idea of baking the bread in a can! On the To Do list now! Stopping by from "This Chick Bakes"
Kristin
Katie @ This Chick Cooks
What a fun looking recipe! How does Martha keep coming up with so many ideas? 🙂 This is definitely going in my to do pile. I'd love for you to come by and show off your recipe at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight today. Have a blessed day 🙂
Katie
ladybehindthecurtain.com
This looks so good! You have some amazing recipes on your website! Would you come over to my link party tomorrow and share your recipes with us at Cast Party Wednesday? http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com
I hope to see you there!
Julia
Great idea!!!! Can't wait to try it!
Brandi
Wow! This is such a great idea. Martha Stewart has nothing on you girlfriend!
michelle
It's pretty hard to turn down anything with peanut butter cups in it!!
Charlotte
What a cute idea! I'm a sucker for banana treats and cute packaging—perfect combination!
Cathy
Banana bread in a can? How fun!
carissa
Lovely idea! I can't decide what's better... Bread in a can or mini peanut butter cups in the bread!!!
Katy
I haven't seen this before & I really like this idea.
Just Jaime
Fun idea! I love it!
The Miller Five
Oh wow! YUM! I made individual pies in mason jars this weekend and they turned out great. I am definitely going to try this. My family will think I'm a genius! 😉
Lee Currie
Who knew? Love this idea. Thanks for sharing!
AmieAnn
You are my baking hero! These look sooo super delicious and the addition of peanut butter cups to banana bread is just genius! Hope you will share with my Pink Hippo Party @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2011/06/pink-hippo-party-34.html
p.s. Love the updated blog banner.. so summery and sweet!
Victoria
Hello to you. I have just found you via Miranda. What a great idea blog hopping and what a fantastic idea - baking in a tin. Love your blog. Looking forward to following you. x
Tina
What a great idea..not only for hostess gifts, but for a nice holiday kitchen basket! Thank you for the new idea...can't ever have enough of them!