Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy banana bread is a classic comfort treat that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious homemade loaf any time of the day.

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 use baking spray to prepare the pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring well with a large wooden spoon.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture, then stir until combined.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, stirring just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
5. Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 10 thick pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
• Substitute walnuts with pecans or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• Swap chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor twist.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, caramel-like taste.

Storage

Store leftover 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 wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly for a fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

It’s best to use ripe or overripe bananas because they are sweeter and softer, which helps achieve the moist texture and natural sweetness in banana bread.

What can I substitute for baking soda or baking powder?

Baking soda and baking powder work together to help the bread rise. If you only have one, you can try using 1 teaspoon of baking powder alone, but the texture may be slightly different. Avoid skipping both, as the bread won’t rise properly.

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

A classic and easy banana bread recipe that yields moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a choice of walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and taste.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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 and Prepare Pan: 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, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring well using a large wooden spoon until fully combined.
3. Add Leavening and Spices: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir everything together to evenly distribute these ingredients.
4. Incorporate Flour and Mix-ins: Add the all-purpose flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if desired. Stir gently just until no streaks of flour remain; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 10 thick slices and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Optionally, substitute walnuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Check the bread around 50 minutes; oven temperatures vary, so baking time may differ slightly.
• Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, moist banana bread, banana walnut bread, banana chocolate chip bread