A few weeks ago, I had too many ripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I didn’t want them going to waste. Cue this banana bread recipe, which has since become a staple in my kitchen! After the first bite, I knew it was a keeper.
It’s incredibly moist, bursting with banana flavor, and the rich aroma it brings to the house while baking is unbeatable. I’ve made it for friends, family, and even as a quick snack for myself, and it never disappoints.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking adventure, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Before you grab your mixing bowls, here are a few reasons why this banana bread is so special:
1. Packed with Banana Flavor
You’ll love how this recipe lets the bananas shine. Their natural sweetness and flavor create a perfectly balanced, moist bread that’s hard to resist!
2. Easy to Make
No fancy techniques here. You’ll mix your dry ingredients in one bowl, your wet ingredients in another, combine them, and pop it in the oven. It’s that straightforward!
3. Versatility Galore
Whether you’re adding walnuts for a nutty crunch, a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth, or chocolate chips for indulgence, this recipe adapts beautifully to your cravings.
4. Perfect for Any Time of Day
Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. You really don’t need an excuse to treat yourself.
5. Freezer Friendly
This bread stays moist and freezes wonderfully, so you can make a loaf (or two!) and enjoy it even weeks later.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to whip this up:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This quick schedule makes it the perfect weekend project or weeknight treat!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started (simple and pantry-friendly):
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Overripe bananas
Variations
Want to tweak the classic recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs? Try these fun variations!
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Go Sugar-Free: Replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or a sugar substitute to keep it light.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
Equipment You Need
These basic tools will make your baking process a breeze:
- Mixing Bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients effortlessly.
- Whisk – To blend ingredients smoothly.
- Loaf Pan – A 9×5-inch pan gives you that perfect loaf shape.
- Spatula – Scoops and spreads the batter evenly.
- Electric Mixer – Optional, but helps when creaming the butter and sugar.
How to Make Banana Bread?
This banana bread is as easy as it’s delicious. Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven 🍌
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients 🌟
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar 🧈
Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. This step ensures that your banana bread has extra moisture and flavor!
Step 4: Mash Those Bananas 🍌💛
Take your overripe bananas and mash them up well with a fork. Lumpy is fine! Stir these into the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the eggs, until fully blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures ✨
Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake 🍞
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice 🖤
Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice and enjoy every crumb!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Follow these tips to nail your banana bread every single time:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Brown spots or even almost-black bananas are perfect. They’re naturally sweeter and add just the right texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine your wet and dry mixtures, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
- Check for Doneness: All ovens are different, so start testing around the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Slicing while warm can make the bread crumbly—so wait for it to cool entirely.
How to Serve Banana Bread?
Presentation makes all the difference! Slice the banana bread into even pieces and arrange them on a platter for a crowd. Want added flavor? Spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese over each slice, or drizzle them with honey. Garnish with chopped nuts or banana slices for a homemade café-style look!
Nutritional Information
Each delicious slice (approx. 12 servings) comes with:
- Calories: 231
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 9g
Perfectly satisfying without going overboard.
Make Ahead and Storage
Banana bread is ideal for making ahead because it stays moist and flavorful for days.
To store your loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil before placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. Prefer a longer shelf life? Banana bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in storage wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Banana Bread Recipe
A few weeks ago, I had too many ripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I didn’t want them going to waste. Cue this banana bread recipe, which has since become a staple in my kitchen! After the first bite, I knew it was a keeper. It’s incredibly moist, bursting with banana flavor, and the rich aroma it brings to the house while baking is unbeatable.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Overripe bananas
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. This step ensures that your banana bread has extra moisture and flavor!
- Take your overripe bananas and mash them up well with a fork. Lumpy is fine! Stir these into the butter-sugar mixture, followed by the eggs, until fully blended.
- Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice and enjoy every crumb!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Brown spots or even almost-black bananas are perfect. They’re naturally sweeter and add just the right texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine your wet and dry mixtures, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough.
- Check for Doneness: All ovens are different, so start testing around the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! Slicing while warm can make the bread crumbly—so wait for it to cool entirely.
