Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Quick to prepare – Just mix, pour, and bake.
- Moist and flavorful – Perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh for days and freezes well.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Butter
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients – Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the bananas and stir until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix everything together – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 1 standard loaf (about 8–10 slices)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Banana Bread – Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Banana Bread – Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Healthy Banana Bread – Use whole wheat flour and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Dairy-Free Version – Substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge.
FAQs
How do I know when banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
You can substitute baking powder, but the texture may change slightly.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make it dry. Measure ingredients accurately.
Can I add yogurt or sour cream?
Yes, adding ¼ cup of either makes the bread even moister.
How can I make banana bread fluffier?
Use room temperature eggs and don’t overmix the batter.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes at 350°F.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Conclusion
This easy banana bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a classic homemade treat. Whether you enjoy it plain or with mix-ins, it’s always a delicious way to use up ripe bananas. Try it today and enjoy a warm, moist, and flavorful loaf!
Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe
This best easy banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect homemade treat for breakfast or a snack. No mixer required!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins for extra texture.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.