If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat that’s not only wonderfully moist but also irresistibly nostalgic, Banana Bread is the answer. With the scent of sweet bananas and a hint of vanilla wafting from your oven, it’s the kind of recipe that brightens even the busiest mornings or chills out an afternoon with a cup of coffee. Banana Bread is simple to make from common pantry staples, yet the result is so much greater than the sum of its parts — hearty, golden, and full of comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how everyday ingredients come together to create a loaf so flavorful and aromatic. Each component in this Banana Bread recipe plays a critical role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that perfect tender crumb.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show! Overripe bananas with brown spots deliver peak sweetness and maximum moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter gives Banana Bread its richness and buttery tenderness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the bread without overshadowing the banana flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs bind everything together and help the bread rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavors with a cozy aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the structure for the loaf while keeping it soft and cake-like.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for leavening, ensuring your Banana Bread rises to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle spice that’s especially delightful in cooler months.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): These add delightful crunch or melty pockets for extra indulgence.
How to Make Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for super easy loaf removal later. This ensures your Banana Bread comes out cleanly every time.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Grab a large mixing bowl and mash up your ripe bananas using a fork until they’re almost smooth but still a little lumpy. Those little lumps actually create delicious bursts of banana throughout the bread!
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter to your mashed bananas and stir it in well. Follow with the sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until nice and smooth. These wet ingredients form the flavorful base of your loaf.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures everything’s evenly distributed for a perfect bake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually tip the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, gently stirring to combine. Be careful not to overmix! Just stir until you don’t see streaks of flour. If you want to add walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in here for extra texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let your Banana Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience pays off with easier slicing and the best texture!
How to Serve Banana Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Banana Bread with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a bit of sparkle. I also love serving it with a pat of soft butter or even a dollop of whipped cream when I’m feeling fancy. For extra crunch, scatter a few toasted walnuts right on top.
Side Dishes
Banana Bread pairs beautifully with almost anything. Try offering it alongside a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and berries for breakfast, or serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. It’s also delicious with a hot drink — coffee, tea, or even spiced chai are all perfect matches.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Banana Bread to really steal the show, try slicing it thick and toasting it lightly. Or cut it into cubes for an adorable breakfast parfait. For a brunch display, arrange slices on a wooden board with seasonal fruit, jams, and butter for a rustic, welcoming vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Banana Bread is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to three days. I recommend storing unsliced if possible for the softest texture.
Freezing
Banana Bread is a freezer hero! You can slice it and wrap individual pieces in cling film, or freeze the whole loaf. Pop it in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as you can, and freeze for up to three months. When cravings strike, just thaw slices at room temperature for a quick treat.
Reheating
To bring leftover Banana Bread back to its warm, freshly-baked glory, simply microwave slices for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a toaster oven. If you love melty chocolate chips, this step makes them gooey all over again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to make Banana Bread even more moist, so it’s a delicious solution when you have a freezer stash you want to use up.
What makes Banana Bread moist?
Very ripe bananas, melted butter, and not overmixing the batter are all key to a moist loaf. Be sure to check your bread a bit early if your oven runs hot, as overbaking can dry it out.
Can I make Banana Bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based substitute and use flax eggs in place of the regular eggs. The texture may be a little different, but the Banana Bread will still be downright delicious.
Why did my Banana Bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if there was too much moisture in the batter. Check it with a toothpick near the end of the baking time, and try to stick to the measured ingredients for best results.
What mix-ins can I add to Banana Bread?
Aside from classic walnuts or chocolate chips, you can stir in dried fruit, shredded coconut, or swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella before baking. The possibilities for customizing your Banana Bread are endless!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a homemade loaf of Banana Bread — it fills your kitchen with warmth and brings friends and family together for a slice (or two). Give this easy recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorites, too!
Print
Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this delicious loaf is filled with ripe bananas and optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Sugar and Eggs:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Mash bananas, mix with melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
- Store cooled bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
