This banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. With just the right balance of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and vanilla, this homemade banana bread is sure to become your go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist and Tender – Thanks to ripe bananas, butter, and eggs.
- Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and one mixing bowl.
- Naturally Sweet – Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and freeze for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mash the Bananas – In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Everything Together – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional) – Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve – Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Nutty Banana Bread – Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Healthy Banana Bread – Use whole wheat flour and honey instead of sugar.
- Banana Muffins – Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Spiced Banana Bread – Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating – Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast for a crispy edge.
FAQs
How do I make banana bread more moist?
Using very ripe bananas, melted butter, and not overmixing the batter ensures a moist texture.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Why did my banana bread turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can make it dense. Stir until just combined.
Can I make this banana bread dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
What can I use instead of eggs?
Try flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking soda and salt since self-rising flour contains them.
How do I prevent banana bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting works great.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
Bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes or store them in a brown paper bag overnight.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
This is truly the best banana bread recipe—soft, moist, and full of banana flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain, with nuts, or with chocolate chips, this classic treat is perfect for any time of day. Make a loaf today and enjoy a warm, comforting slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Print
Best Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This banana bread is incredibly moist, full of banana flavor, and easy to make! It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. With simple pantry ingredients, this classic recipe is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Extra Moist Bread: Add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for an even softer texture.
- Sweeter Version: Use 1 cup sugar instead of ¾ cup.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 3 months.