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Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 34 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