Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate Banana Bread Recipe! This loaf is incredibly moist, bursting with ripe banana flavor, and has just the right touch of sweetness and a golden crust. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or to impress family and friends at brunch, this tried-and-true Banana Bread Recipe never disappoints. Even better, it’s a breeze to make from everyday kitchen staples—one of those recipes you’ll want to keep close whenever bananas are ripening on your counter!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Banana Bread Recipe is its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, but each one is essential in creating that classic, comforting taste and heavenly texture. Here’s why you’ll want to gather these specific kitchen staples before you start baking:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure while keeping it tender and soft.
Baking soda: This helps the loaf rise just right, resulting in that light, fluffy crumb we all crave.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps achieve a beautifully caramelized crust.
Large eggs (beaten): They bind the bread together and add extra moisture.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The heart of the recipe—use spotty, overripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Whole milk: Contributes to a tender crumb and keeps the bread from getting dry.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the loaf with a warm, aromatic note that makes every bite more delicious.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and nutty richness—chocolate chips work great here, too, if you prefer!

How to Make Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and generously grease it with butter or a nonstick spray. Lining the pan with parchment paper can make removal extra easy, but isn’t required. This little bit of prep ensures your Banana Bread Recipe comes out of the pan effortlessly and with a beautiful shape.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this upfront gets your leavening and seasoning evenly dispersed before you add the wet ingredients, so every bite of your Banana Bread Recipe is just right. If you’re in the mood for a little extra warmth, this is the moment to whisk in a dash of cinnamon.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it whips air into the batter, helping your Banana Bread Recipe rise into a light, tender loaf with a gorgeous golden color. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or good old-fashioned elbow grease!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Bananas

Now, add the beaten eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, followed by your mashed bananas. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and cohesive. Those ripe bananas are key—they add sweetness, moisture, and plenty of flavor.

Step 5: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently until combined. This little step brings extra tenderness and that signature bakery-style aroma that makes Banana Bread Recipe irresistible fresh from the oven.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

It’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until there are no pockets of flour left. Be careful not to overmix—stirring only until combined keeps your banana bread tender, never tough.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts (Optional)

If you love a little crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans (or even substitute in chocolate chips). They add wonderful texture and a nutty depth to this Banana Bread Recipe. If you’re going nut-free, skip this step—the bread is still absolutely delicious!

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs clinging). This ensures your Banana Bread Recipe is baked through but perfectly moist.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time finishes setting the crumb and makes it easy to slice—plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma!

How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced bananas, an extra handful of toasted walnuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a lovely presentation. A drizzle of honey or a light spread of softened butter can also make your Banana Bread Recipe feel like a bakery-style treat!

Side Dishes

Serve a thick, warm slice with your favorite cup of coffee or a frothy latte for a breakfast that tastes like pure comfort. A side of yogurt and fresh berries adds color and tang that beautifully complements the sweet, banana-rich loaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Try toasting slices and serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a slather of almond butter for an elevated snack. You can also cut your banana bread into cubes and layer it with vanilla pudding and fruit for a playful trifle—the Banana Bread Recipe is just as delicious dressed up or enjoyed as-is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Bread Recipe moist and fresh, wrap completely cooled slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days—if your kitchen is on the warm side, stash it in the fridge for extra longevity.

Freezing

This Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the full loaf snugly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight on the counter or in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive that “freshly baked” warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or toast it lightly. The crumb will soften up, the aroma will fill your kitchen again, and every bite will taste just as comforting as day one.

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be for the best flavor?

The best bananas for this Banana Bread Recipe are dark yellow with lots of brown spots, or even fully brown. The riper, the sweeter—and the more intense the banana flavor in your loaf!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour if you’d like a heartier loaf, but using only whole wheat may make the bread denser. Start with half and see how you like it!

What can I use instead of nuts?

Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut make excellent substitutes if you’re not in the mood for nuts. Or simply leave them out—the Banana Bread Recipe stands alone beautifully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The Banana Bread Recipe will still turn out moist and flavorful.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

If your bread sinks, it may be underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and stir gently until the ingredients are just combined for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting or rewarding as baking up a loaf of this classic Banana Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and treat yourself or your loved ones to a homemade delight. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic Banana Bread Recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this homemade banana bread is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas, then mix in milk and vanilla.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mix until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.