Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Published:

Freshly baked banana bread loaf on a wooden cutting board

Why Make This Recipe

Banana bread is a beloved classic that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. It’s perfect for using up those overripe bananas that often sit on the counter. This recipe is easy to follow, and it yields a moist, flavorful loaf that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, everyone will appreciate a slice of homemade banana bread.

How to Make Best Easy Banana Bread

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or chocolate chips, plus extra for topping if desired)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray with baking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir well with a large wooden spoon.
  3. Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir to combine.
  4. Add flour and walnuts or chocolate chips (if desired), and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slice into 10 thick slices and serve.

How to Serve Best Easy Banana Bread

Banana bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it further by spreading a little butter or cream cheese on each slice. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Feel free to warm up slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste!

How to Store Best Easy Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice it beforehand for easy thawing and to enjoy individual pieces.

Tips to Make Best Easy Banana Bread

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor, as they become sweeter and softer.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep your bread light and fluffy.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices to create your own twist on this recipe.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar to suit your taste or use honey or maple syrup instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

2. How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.

3. Can I add other ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible—feel free to add your favorite mix-ins for extra flavor and texture.

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Best Easy Banana Bread


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  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and flavorful loaf of banana bread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or chocolate chips)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease or flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas with melted butter, then add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir well.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
  4. Add flour and walnuts or chocolate chips, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Slice into 10 thick slices and serve.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best flavor. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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