What Is the Banana Bread Theory? The Viral TikTok Belief, Explained

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Is banana bread really men’s version of receiving flowers?

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: September 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What is the banana bread theory?
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• Does it work?
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• Banana Bread Recipe
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• Video

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The banana bread theory has been all over TikTok lately, but what exactly does this concept refer to? According to TikTok users, the theory suggests that baking a man a homemade loaf of banana bread will make him fall in love and commit to you. In other words, it’s the guy equivalent to receiving flowers. But is the theory true? Keep reading—we’ll explain it all in this article. Plus, we’ll provide a tasty banana bread recipe if you want to try out the theory on your special someone!

All About the TikTok Banana Bread Theory

The banana bread theory is the belief that baking a man a loaf of banana bread will make him fall in love with you and commit himself to you. While lots of people have made videos claiming the theory is true, there’s no hard evidence that it really works.

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Section 1 of 3:

What is the banana bread theory?

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1. 
   It’s the theory that a man will commit to you if you bake him banana bread. According to many TikTok users, baking a man a good loaf of banana bread is a surefire way to make him fall in love with you and commit to a relationship. The theory goes that soon after eating the delicious treat you so lovingly baked, he’ll want to lock you down and get serious.

   • Lots of TikTok users say that banana bread is like flowers for men—it’s similar to how women see flowers as a romantic and loving gesture from a guy, and often fall in love after receiving them.
   • The theory applies to men you’re interested in or already dating. Baking your situationship banana bread could convince him to make you his girlfriend, while it could make your boyfriend want to put a ring on it!
   • Why banana bread? Banana bread is simply a crowd pleaser that most guys seem to like. Plus, it takes effort to bake it and make it right. So, receiving a loaf of banana bread can be pretty meaningful!
   • If your guy doesn’t like bananas (or is allergic), don’t worry! TikTok users claim the theory works as long as you make something your man likes and you make it well, whether that’s another dessert or a savory meal.
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Section 2 of 3:

Does the banana bread theory actually work?

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1. 
   No, but there could be some truth to the theory. While plenty of women on TikTok have made videos in support of the banana bread theory, there’s no real evidence (or guarantee) that baking a man banana bread will make him fall in love and be with you forever. However, the theory likely stems from the age-old adage that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” which may have some truth to it.

   • For example:
     • Some research suggests that men (and especially women) respond more to romantic cues when they’re full rather than hungry.
     • Some research shows that people like someone more and find them more attractive when they receive a favor or gift from them.
     • If your partner’s love language is receiving gifts or acts of service, baking for him can demonstrate your love, which can help contribute to a healthy and strong relationship.

Section 3 of 3:

Banana Bread Recipe

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1. Try this tasty banana bread recipe to test out the theory. If you want to impress your guy with a loaf of banana bread and express your appreciation for him, try out this simple (but delicious) banana bread recipe:

   • Mash overripe bananas in a bowl until you have about 2 cups (~300 g)—this is usually equivalent to 4 medium-sized bananas.
   • Beat 2 large eggs in a bowl.
   • Beat ½ cup (114 g) of softened, room temperature butter with ¾ cup (150 g) of brown sugar using an electric mixer until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.
   • Add the beaten eggs and mashed bananas to the sugar/butter mixture.
   • Combine 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (5 g) of baking soda, and ¼ tsp (1.5 g) of salt in a bowl.
   • Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix them together until they’re combined and the batter is smooth.
   • Optional addition: Mix about ¾ cup (128 g) of chocolate chips into the batter.
   • Grease a 9x5-inch (22.9x12.7-cm) loaf pan and pour in the batter.
     • Optional step: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the batter.
   • Bake for 60 minutes at 350°F (177°C), or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.
   • Let the banana bread sit for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
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