If you’re on the hunt for the most comforting, foolproof treat, look no further than this Easy Banana Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect answer for overripe bananas and those moments when you crave a sweet, homemade loaf that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma. Moist, tender, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe has become a beloved staple in my home—and I’m thrilled to walk you through every step so it can become one of your favorites, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Banana Bread Recipe is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final loaf. Every component brings something special—whether it’s moisture, structure, or a burst of banana flavor—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ripe bananas: The star of the show! Overripe bananas provide sweetness and moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Melted butter (1/3 cup): Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unsalted is best for full control over the flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Large egg (beaten): Helps bind the loaf and adds a lovely, light texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the bread its lift, creating that signature rise and fluffy middle.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure-maker; keeps everything together while staying soft and light.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
First things first—get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your banana bread pops out perfectly intact, with no sticking or crumbling, which makes all the difference when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel those beautifully ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them until they’re nice and smooth, with just a few small lumps for texture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be—don’t be afraid of those brown spots!
Step 3: Add Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter over your mashed bananas and stir until well combined. This creates a luscious base for your batter, infusing every bite with rich, buttery goodness. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot so it doesn’t cook the egg in the next step!
Step 4: Mix in Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to your banana-butter mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated. This step is where the batter starts to look and smell like the banana bread you know and love.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda and Salt
Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt evenly over the batter, then give it a gentle stir. These little additions might seem small, but they make a big difference in flavor and texture, helping your loaf rise beautifully.
Step 6: Gently Fold in the Flour
Add the all-purpose flour last, and mix just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to a tender, moist crumb. The batter should be thick, but pourable.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set, making for perfect, clean slices every time. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A warm slice of banana bread is delightful on its own, but adding a little garnish can make it extra special. Try a pat of creamy butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey. Sliced bananas or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top add a lovely finishing touch—simple, but so inviting.
Side Dishes
Banana bread is a star at breakfast with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or you can pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, it complements scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the banana bread into cubes for a sweet breakfast parfait layered with yogurt and granola. Or, toast a slice and serve it with a smear of cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Little mini loaves or muffins make adorable party favors or lunchbox treats, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana bread keeps its soft, moist texture for up to 3 days at room temperature. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out. I love having a slice ready for a quick breakfast or snack!
Freezing
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Once completely cool, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop it in the freezer, and you’ll have homemade banana bread ready to go for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight at room temperature when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or pop it in the toaster oven for a few minutes. It comes out soft, fragrant, and as delicious as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Easy Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips right before pouring the batter into the pan. These mix-ins add wonderful texture and flavor without changing the baking time.
Do I have to use overripe bananas?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are much sweeter and softer, which gives the bread its signature moistness and deep banana flavor.
Can I make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked or if too much batter was added to the pan. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, and make sure to use the correct size pan for the best results.
How do I know when banana bread is done baking?
The top will be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven and check again.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Banana Bread Recipe enough—it’s a true kitchen classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you’ll make this recipe part of your regular rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and every bite is pure comfort. Happy baking!
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 quick and delicious way to make moist, flavorful banana bread with simple ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it uses ripe bananas and a few pantry staples to create a soft, sweet loaf that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter to combine well.
- Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt evenly over the mixture. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for even baking. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Banana bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
