Introduction
There’s something magical about the scent of Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze drifting through the kitchen on a chilly morning. The buttery layers, the warm hint of cinnamon, and the sweet drizzle of maple glaze come together in a way that’s downright irresistible. These Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze are everything you love about banana bread—moist, flavorful, and comforting—but in a light, flaky scone form that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Unlike muffins, which are tender and cake-like, or biscuits, which lean toward savory, Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze strike a delightful balance between the two. Here, mashed ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a moist crumb, while chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch. And let’s not forget the maple glaze—a glossy, golden finish that turns every bite into pure comfort.
Whether you’re looking to use up those extra bananas or impress guests with a bakery-worthy treat, Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze will deliver every single time.
Table of Contents
What Are Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze?
Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze are a bakery-style twist on the classic scone, blending the comfort of banana bread with the tender, crumbly texture of a traditional scone. In this recipe, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while chopped walnuts offer a satisfying crunch in every bite. The maple glaze—silky, sweet, and slightly earthy—adds a finishing touch that makes these scones feel extra special.
For those unfamiliar, scones are a type of baked good that originated in the United Kingdom and have become a beloved breakfast and brunch treat in the United States. They’re denser than muffins but more tender than biscuits, and they often feature a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, flavorful interior.
What sets Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze apart is the combination of flavors and textures. You get the rich, buttery layers of a scone, the fruity depth of ripe bananas, the nutty bite of walnuts, and the smooth sweetness of pure maple syrup—all in one irresistible pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why these Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze deserve a spot in your baking rotation:
- Perfect Use for Ripe Bananas – If you’ve got bananas turning brown on the counter, this recipe turns them into something bakery-worthy.
- Quick & Easy – With simple pantry ingredients and under an hour from start to finish, you can have warm scones ready for breakfast or brunch.
- Incredible Flavor – The sweet, moist banana base pairs beautifully with the crunch of walnuts and the rich maple glaze.
- Customizable – Swap walnuts for pecans, add a pinch of ginger, or drizzle with chocolate for a twist.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy fresh-baked flavor whenever you want.
- Cozy Comfort – The aroma of bananas, cinnamon, and maple is the ultimate kitchen comfort.
In short, these Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze are the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours of work.
Ingredients Breakdown
Making Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze is easy when you understand the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Banana Nut Scones
- Mashed Bananas (1 cup / about 3 medium) – The heart of this recipe. They add moisture, natural sweetness, and a soft texture. Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (¼ cup) – Keeps the scones tender while adding a subtle tang. Sour cream works just as well.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough and contributes to the scones’ light structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the banana and maple flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups) – The base of the dough, providing structure.
- Baking Powder (2 ½ tsp) – Gives the scones their rise.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp) & Nutmeg (⅛ tsp) – Warm spices that complement the banana flavor beautifully.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (5 tbsp, frozen) – Creates flaky layers. Grating frozen butter ensures even distribution without overworking the dough.
- Chopped Walnuts (1 cup) – Add crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. Pecans or almonds are great substitutes.
- Milk & Coarse Sugar (for topping) – Give the scones a golden finish and a touch of crunch.
Maple Glaze
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness to the glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup (⅓ cup) – The star of the glaze, lending a deep, earthy sweetness.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup) – Thickens the glaze and balances the maple’s strong flavor.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a lighter sweetness, use half the glaze or drizzle it lightly just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these directions to make Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze that are flaky, moist, and full of flavor.
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer bowl or a medium mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat together until well combined.
Step 3 – Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4 – Add the Butter
Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Toss the butter shreds into the dry ingredients and work them in gently with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 5 – Bring It Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, add chopped walnuts, and fold together with a rubber spatula. The dough should be sticky—avoid overmixing to keep your Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze light and tender.
Step 6 – Shape the Scones
Drop about ¼ cup of dough per scone onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 3 inches between each. Brush with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 8 – Make the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with maple syrup. Remove from heat and whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the warm scones.
Tips for the Best Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze
If you want your Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze to turn out bakery-perfect every time, these tips will help you nail both flavor and texture:
- Use Overripe Bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your scones will be.
- Grate Frozen Butter – Cold butter creates light, flaky layers in your scones.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Gentle mixing keeps the texture tender instead of dense.
- Chill Before Baking – A quick chill helps the dough keep its shape and prevents the butter from melting too quickly.
- Glaze While Warm – Drizzling the maple glaze while the scones are still slightly warm lets it soak in just a little for added flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness – Use more or less glaze depending on your preference.
- Store Properly – Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for longer storage.
With these techniques, you’ll consistently get Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze that are golden, moist, and full of rich banana flavor.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about making Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze is how easy it is to customize the recipe. Here are a few tasty ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Gluten-Free Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze – Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Dairy-Free Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze – Use coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and plant-based butter in both the dough and glaze.
- Chocolate Chip Twist – Replace half of the walnuts with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-style treat.
- Autumn Spice Version – Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon plus ¼ teaspoon each of cloves and cardamom for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Pecan Maple Variation – Swap walnuts for pecans to give your Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze a slightly sweeter, buttery nut flavor.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of these fun twists, Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze can easily match your taste and dietary needs.
Related Article: Black Forest Cake – 7 Secrets to a Rich & Decadent Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Banana Nut Scones without the glaze?
Yes. The scones will still be delicious without the maple glaze, though you’ll miss out on that sweet finishing touch.
2. How do I store leftover scones?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze them before glazing. Add glaze after reheating.
4. Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Thaw, drain excess liquid, mash, and proceed with the recipe.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a baked treat that’s both comforting and impressive, Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze check all the boxes. They’re moist, flaky, and bursting with banana flavor, with a nutty crunch and a sweet, glossy finish. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re sure to disappear fast.
The best part? They’re easy enough for a weekday bake yet special enough to serve at a holiday gathering. So grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch of Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze.
Once you try them, don’t forget to share your results! Snap a picture, post it on social media, and tag us so we can see your bakery-worthy creations. And if you loved this recipe, leave a comment or review—it helps other bakers discover the joy of Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze too.
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Related Article: Scones Recipe: 7 Proven Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Bakes
Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze – 7 Irresistible Tips for Bakery-Perfect Results
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones 1x
Description
These Banana Nut Scones with Maple Glaze are moist, flaky, and full of sweet banana flavor, with crunchy walnuts and a silky maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re quick to make and absolutely bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Scones:
1 cup (230g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas)
¼ cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
5 tbsp (71g) unsalted butter, frozen
1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts (optional)
3 tbsp (45ml) milk (for brushing)
Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
For the Maple Glaze:
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
1 cup (112g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a medium bowl, mash bananas and mix with yogurt, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Grate frozen butter and work it into the flour mixture until crumbly.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, add walnuts, and gently fold together.
Drop ¼ cup portions of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving 3 inches apart.
Brush with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before glazing.
For glaze: Melt butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, remove from heat, whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth, and drizzle over scones.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
Dough can be frozen before baking; add a few minutes to bake time when baking from frozen.
For triangle-shaped scones, form dough into a disc, cut into wedges, and bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 258
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 27mg