There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of banana bread baking in the oven. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is soft, tender, and packed with rich banana flavor. Made with basic pantry ingredients and minimal effort, it’s a go-to recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with chocolate chips, or topped with nuts, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even gifting. It stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until combined.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
- Gently fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation:
- Chocolate banana bread: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder + chocolate chips.
- Healthier version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat and use maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Vegan option: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Banana nut bread: Add 1 teaspoon banana extract and ½ cup chopped nuts.
COOKING Note:
Very ripe bananas (with lots of brown spots) are key. They’re sweeter and mash better, giving the bread its rich flavor and moist texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- With butter: Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.
- Topped with peanut butter: Makes a filling snack.
- With coffee or tea: Ideal for morning or afternoon breaks.
- For dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
- For bakery-style presentation, sprinkle sugar or oats on top before baking.
- Store wrapped at room temp for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for grab-and-go breakfasts.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 10 slices):
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~9g
- Sugar: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~160mg
Values are approximate based on ingredients.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
- Yes! Thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash before using.
Can I make muffins from this batter?
- Absolutely—bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes in a lined muffin tin.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
- Yes, substitute ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for the butter.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
- It may have been underbaked. Make sure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.
How should I store leftovers?
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It keeps well for 3–4 days or can be frozen.
Conclusion:
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you’ll love how quickly this loaf comes together—and how fast it disappears!
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a reliable recipe that never goes out of style