Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Meet your new go-to treat: the Easy Banana Bread Recipe. There’s just something magical about banana bread that fills a kitchen with warmth and comfort, no matter the season. This tried-and-true favorite is the answer to every overripe banana dilemma, producing a loaf that’s gloriously moist, beautifully golden, and absolutely bursting with rich banana flavor. Whether you enjoy a thick, warm slice for breakfast, a quick afternoon snack, or as a cozy dessert, this loaf is bound to bring smiles all around. Plus, with minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a homemade classic on the table in about an hour—no fuss, just pure banana bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Easy Banana Bread Recipe shines because of its straightforward, reliable ingredients. Each staple plays a small but mighty role—amplifying flavor, guaranteeing buttery moisture, or giving you that perfect crumb. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Bananas (3 ripe, mashed): The star of the show—super-ripe bananas add amazing natural sweetness, irresistible aroma, and a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter brings a rich, velvety texture and deep flavor; melted butter blends seamlessly into the batter.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the bananas’ sweetness and ensures golden crisp edges.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): The egg binds everything together, creating structure so the bread doesn’t crumble.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla enhances those cozy, familiar bakery notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): All-purpose flour keeps the loaf light, tender, and not too dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread its lovely lift and prevents it from being heavy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Even a pinch of salt brightens and balances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle, spiced warmth that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Stir these in for delightful crunch or gooey chocolate pockets in every bite!
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be at just the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray, or simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This step makes sure your banana bread comes out flawless and intact each time.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until they’re mostly smooth. Don’t worry about some small lumps; they actually add pleasant pockets of banana flavor throughout your finished loaf. Overripe, spotty bananas work best—they’re sweeter and give the best texture for this Easy Banana Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter, then stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together gently until it’s smooth and well-combined. At this stage, the mixture should look glossy and aromatic—that’s your foundation for moist, flavorful banana bread!
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Mixing the dry ingredients apart from the wet ones helps distribute the leavening agent (baking soda) evenly, so your bread rises perfectly without any uneven air pockets.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gradually add your dry mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently—only until the flour just disappears. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so a few small streaks of flour are fine. If you’re opting for walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in for some extra surprise and delight in every slice.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The heavenly aroma is a clear sign your Easy Banana Bread Recipe is nearly ready!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently lift it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. As tempting as it may be to cut in immediately, letting it cool gives you perfect slices and helps flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your warm loaf, sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted walnuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. A dollop of butter or cream cheese also adds an irresistible touch when serving each slice.
Side Dishes
Banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, or tea for a classic afternoon treat. For breakfast, add a side of fresh fruit, tangy yogurt, or even a gently spiced chai latte for a cozy morning feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Easy Banana Bread Recipe beyond the basics by transforming your slices into French toast, layering them with vanilla ice cream, or cubing the bread to use as the base for a crowd-pleasing trifle. Mini loaves or muffins made from the same batter also make incredibly thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life a little longer.
Freezing
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a champion at freezing—a real lifesaver for future cravings! Simply wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep its lovely taste and texture for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To restore just-baked freshness, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds. For a crisp edge, toast a slice lightly or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Top with butter and enjoy as if it were just out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I make the Easy Banana Bread Recipe with less sugar?
Absolutely! You can dial back the sugar to as little as 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf. Super-ripe bananas naturally keep things moist and flavorful, so it’s easy to customize to your taste.
Does the Easy Banana Bread Recipe work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend swaps in well for all-purpose flour. The loaf may have a slightly different crumb, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Can I skip the egg for a vegan version?
Definitely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use your favorite vegan egg replacer. The bread will still bake up moist and tender.
What can I use instead of walnuts or chocolate chips?
Get creative—chopped pecans, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter are all tasty ways to personalize your Easy Banana Bread Recipe.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make your banana bread dense or chewy. Mix just until everything is combined so your loaf stays soft and tender every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you bake it for a cozy breakfast, as an after-school snack, or to brighten someone’s day, this Easy Banana Bread Recipe is destined to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen. Give it a try—one loaf, and you’ll see just how delightful homemade banana bread can be!
Print
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a classic favorite that is moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up overripe bananas. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf of banana bread in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, mash bananas and mix with butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Cool in the pan before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- This banana bread freezes well for up to 3 months—just wrap tightly and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
