There’s something special about baking with ripe bananas, and this easy, moist banana bread recipe is one of my favorite ways to use them up. Every time I make it, the rich flavor fills the kitchen as it bakes, and it is simply irresistible. Friends and family talk about it, saying it’s the best banana bread they’ve ever tasted.
This banana bread recipe is a family favorite, and it's been perfected over the years. It’s always a hit and disappears quickly! I love making it to use up overripe bananas, and it’s so moist. It’s perfect for breakfast!
This banana bread stays fresh for days and makes a great gift, especially around the holidays. What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is. No fancy mixer is needed; just a bowl, a fork for the eggs, and a sturdy whisk.
The secret is melted butter for amazing flavor. You can adjust the sugar to your taste, also feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips!
With its buttery texture and delicious banana flavor, this banana bread is a winner! I always keep it in my freezer, ready to enjoy anytime.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
- Quick to Bake: In just about an hour, you can have a delicious loaf of banana bread baking in your oven.
- Deliciously Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas and melted butter create a soft, moist texture, while cinnamon and vanilla add warm, comforting flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile and Customizable: This banana bread is a fantastic recipe! You can easily mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to make it your own or use what you have on hand.
- Great for Sharing: Banana bread is a classic comfort food that’s wonderful for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea!
🧾Banana Bread Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this banana bread recipe:
- Bananas: I like using medium-ripe bananas because they keep the bread moist, sweet, and full of banana flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter makes the bread rich, soft, and gives it a creamy flavor.
- Baking Soda: This helps the bread rise by reacting with the bananas, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Cinnamon and Vanilla: Cinnamon adds warmth, while vanilla gives a sweet, subtle flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Light Brown Sugar: I prefer light brown sugar for its deeper flavor and extra moisture, keeping the bread soft.
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs help bind everything together and add moisture and lightness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bread its structure while keeping it tender and soft.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Banana Bread
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving small lumps for texture if you like.
2. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Then add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together.
4. Gently stir the dry mixture into the wet until just combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps; avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the parchment-lined 9x5 inch (23x12.7 cm) loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) or 155°C (311°F) for fan-assisted, for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Take the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then move it to a wire rack to cool fully.
8. Let the banana bread cool, then slice and enjoy! It's delicious plain or with butter.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots or fully brown ones are sweeter, more flavorful, and keep the bread moist.
Don't Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
Check with a Toothpick: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs, usually around 50 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil.
Let It Cool: Cool the bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then on a rack. This makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Line or grease the pan to prevent sticking, and rotate halfway through baking for even cooking.
Store Properly: Once cooled, wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 2-3 days or a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
❓Commonly Asked Questions
Banana bread is typically good for 2-3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, and can be frozen for up to 3 months if properly wrapped.
Overripe bananas are perfect for making banana bread, smoothies, pancakes, muffins, or even homemade banana ice cream.
🍌More Recipes with Bananas to Try!
If you're loving this Banana Bread, you'll also adore these tasty banana recipes:
- Chocolate Banana Cake
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
- Banana Pudding Cups
- Banana Foster Pudding
- Banana and Quick Oat Cookies
- Cocoa Banana Cake
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 Medium Ripe Bananas
- 80 g Melted Unsalted Butter
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 100 g Light Brown Sugar
- 2 Medium Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 200 g All-Purpose Flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Leave a few small lumps for added texture if desired.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Then, add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9x5 inch(23x12.7 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 175°C / 347°F (for a regular oven) or 155°C /311°F (for a fan-assisted oven) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread and enjoy! It’s great on its own or with butter.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
I followed the recipe to a T and it turned out amazing. The texture is perfect, and it's not too sweet. Highly recommend!"
"I added chocolate chips to this recipe.