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.

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.

Jump to:

• Can Bread
• Why I Love This Recipe
• Main Ingredients
• How To Bake Bread In A Can
• Storage Recommendations
• BruCrew Tips
• FAQs
• More Banana Bread Recipes
• Recipe

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.

1. Beat the sugars and softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and creamy.
2. Mix again with eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.
3. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until the batter forms.
4. 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.
5. 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

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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