Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy banana bread recipe is a classic treat that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Enjoy it as a breakfast snack or a delightful dessert.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray it with baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, then stir well with a large wooden spoon.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and walnuts or chocolate chips (if using), stirring just until there are no streaks of flour left. Avoid overmixing for a tender bread.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 10 thick pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet crust.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free loaf.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, caramel-like taste.
• If you want a denser bread, reduce the baking powder to 1/2 teaspoon.

Storage

Store your banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a microwave or toaster oven until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well once thawed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a soggy batter.

Why does my banana bread turn out dry?

A dry banana bread may result from overbaking or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep it moist and tender.

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

A classic, moist, and flavorful banana bread recipe that’s easy to make using ripe bananas, warm spices, and your choice of walnuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this homemade banana bread is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings with natural banana sweetness and a hint of cinnamon.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 thick slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well using a fork or potato masher. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Then add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and pure vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly with a large wooden spoon until evenly mixed.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Incorporate Flour and Nuts/Chips: Add the all-purpose flour along with the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the banana mixture. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the top. If desired, sprinkle extra walnuts or chocolate chips on top for a decorative finish.
5. Bake: Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once done, remove from oven and allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve: After 10 minutes, transfer the bread from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into about 10 thick slices and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Adjust sugar to taste depending on your sweetness preference or use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can omit or substitute with pecans or chocolate chips.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
• Store banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep longer.

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