Embrace the comforting aroma of a freshly baked classic with this simple banana bread recipe. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a sweet dessert. You can easily transform those forgotten, overripe bananas on your counter into a truly delicious and incredibly moist loaf. Get ready to bake a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a wonderfully easy and rewarding bake you’ll make again and again. Our banana bread recipe truly delivers on flavor and simplicity.
- Incredibly Moist and Flavorful: Each slice is packed with natural banana sweetness and a tender crumb.
- Simple Ingredients, Easy to Make: You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- Perfect Use for Overripe Bananas: Don’t throw them away; turn them into a delightful treat!
- Customizable with Add-ins: Easily incorporate your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.
- Great for Breakfast, Snack, or Dessert: Enjoy it any time of day, warm or at room temperature.
Perfectly Moist Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- If using, roast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes, then coarsely chop once cooled.
- Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add mashed bananas and beaten eggs to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in vanilla extract, walnuts, and raisins if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ingredients
Creating this delicious banana bread requires just a few pantry staples. This is a straightforward banana bread recipe that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients.
- 3 very ripe bananas (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp, at room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
Very ripe bananas are crucial for maximum sweetness and moisture; look for spotted or almost black peels. You can substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of softened coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a different sweetness, try replacing some or all of the granulated sugar with honey or brown sugar. Skip the walnuts and raisins for a nut-free banana bread recipe, or try chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or pecans as tasty mix-ins instead.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make this delightful treat. Gather these basic kitchen essentials, and you’ll be ready to bake.
- Standard loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep)
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Fork or potato masher
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake the best banana bread. This banana bread recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch bread loaf pan.
- Roast Walnuts (Optional): If using, lightly roast walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Coarsely chop them once cooled to room temperature.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mash Bananas and Combine: In a separate bowl, mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until they have a chunky applesauce consistency. Add the mashed bananas and 2 lightly beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just blended. Don’t overmix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, the chopped walnuts, and raisins, if you are using them.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Properly: Let the banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sticking and keeps it moist.
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Achieving a perfect loaf is simple with these expert pointers. These tips will elevate your banana bread recipe every time.
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Don’t be afraid of brown or black peels.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry loaf.
- Quick Ripening Trick: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until soft and black.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, without wet batter clinging to it. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
- Cool Thoroughly: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This firms up the crumb and locks in moisture.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your delicious banana bread with these simple suggestions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your banana bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Enjoy it alongside your morning coffee or as a comforting afternoon snack.
Storage & Freezing
Store cooled banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
Experiment with your banana bread recipe by adding different flavors. Try pecans or macadamia nuts for a different crunch. Enhance the spice profile with a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger. You can also fold in other fruits like fresh blueberries, chopped dates, or shredded coconut for added texture and taste.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/10th of loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbs | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
Always use very ripe bananas. They should have many brown or black spots on the peel, indicating maximum sweetness and moisture for your banana bread recipe.
The science behind why overripe bananas are ideal for baking lies in their increased sugar content and softer texture.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can! Thaw them completely first, then drain any excess liquid before mashing them for your batter.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Overmixing the batter develops gluten, making the bread tough and dry. Also, baking it for too long can remove too much moisture.
How to ensure a moist loaf?
Using very ripe bananas, not overmixing, and adding a touch of sour cream or yogurt (if desired) can help keep your banana bread incredibly moist.
Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Fill muffin liners about two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
This classic banana bread recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and delightful flavor, making it a true kitchen staple. It’s an ideal way to use up those ripe bananas and create a treat that everyone will love. We hope you enjoy baking this moist, tender loaf and sharing its comforting goodness with friends and family. Happy baking!
