If you’re looking for a warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug in every bite, this Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. With perfectly ripe bananas mashed into a tender, moist loaf and just the right blend of sweetness and spice, this banana bread is irresistibly delicious and easy to whip up any day of the week. Whether you need a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert, this recipe checks all the boxes and will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Bread Recipe comes together with a handful of classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each element plays a starring role—the bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, the brown sugar adds depth with a subtle caramel note, and the cinnamon enhances the warm, inviting aroma that makes banana bread so iconic.
- Mashed Bananas (1⅓ cups): Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and that signature banana flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base that gives structure to your bread; sift it for lighter texture.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise perfectly and stay soft.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle spicy note that pairs so well with bananas.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender crumb. You can substitute vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup): Brings moisture and a rich, molasses undertone.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Large Eggs (2, room temperature): Act as a binder and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bananas
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures a nice, even bake for your banana bread. Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal a breeze after baking. Then, mash about four small ripe bananas with a fork until you have roughly 1⅓ cups of smooth banana goodness. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Setting these dry ingredients aside lets you evenly distribute them later and prevents overmixing, which is key to a tender banana bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with a hand mixer at medium speed until fluffy and light in color—this usually takes about two minutes. The creaming process traps air in the batter, helping your loaf turn out light and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas
One at a time, mix in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract for that warm, cozy aroma. Finally, stir in the mashed bananas, folding them into the batter gently. This combination brings delicious moisture and natural sweetness to every bite.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Pour the dry ingredients into the banana mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the key to moist, tender banana bread is a light hand at this stage, letting the flour hydrate without developing gluten.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to overbake, as that can dry out your delicious loaf.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon can cause your loaf to crumble, so patience here pays off with perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can take this banana bread from everyday to elevated. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a spread of softened butter, or even a drizzle of honey or chocolate to add a touch of sweetness and a little visual flair.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. You might also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your banana bread into French toast, or slice and toast it, then top with cream cheese and fresh berries. Wrap individual slices in parchment for a charming gift, or create a banana bread trifle by layering chunks with whipped cream and nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about three days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to save banana bread for later, freezing is your friend. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, heat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast it lightly for a crisp edge with a soft center. Adding a pat of butter during reheating makes it even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually the best for banana bread because they are sweeter and soften the bread’s texture, giving you that rich, moist loaf everyone loves.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter—can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the salt in the recipe slightly to balance the flavors. The bread will still taste fantastic.
Can I substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well, though the texture may vary slightly. Make sure to pick one that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips right before baking to add extra texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, it needs more time.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Recipe is a true gem that brings together simplicity and comfort in the most delicious way. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you’ll quickly discover how effortless it is to make a loaf that feels homemade and tastes amazing. Share it with friends, savor it with your favorite drink, and enjoy that unbeatable aroma filling your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe mashed bananas, a blend of brown and granulated sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, this bread is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in about an hour. The soft crumb and subtle sweetness make it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups mashed bananas (about 4 small bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Sugars
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mash Bananas: Peel and mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork until you have approximately 1⅓ cups of mashed banana.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until fluffy and light, about 2 minutes. Then add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas until incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake to maintain moisture.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense banana bread.
- Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
