Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas and creating a moist, flavorful loaf. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a classic treat that’s great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 3-4 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray it with baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring well with a large wooden spoon.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely before slicing into 10 thick slices.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moist bread, try adding a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce to the batter.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or your favorite nuts for a different crunch.
• Include chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or top the loaf with some before baking for a decorative finish.
• Make sure your bananas are well ripe with brown spots to maximize sweetness and flavor.

Storage

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices gently in a toaster or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid making the batter too wet.

Is it okay to use only baking soda or only baking powder?

This recipe uses both to balance leavening and texture; baking soda neutralizes banana acidity while baking powder adds additional lift. Using only one may affect the bread’s rise and crumb.

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

This easy banana bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf packed with ripe bananas and walnuts or chocolate chips. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and lightly sweetened, it’s a classic quick bread that requires no special equipment and is ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Ingredients

• 3–4 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 ripe bananas with the melted butter. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly with a large wooden spoon until well blended.
3. Add Leavening and Spices: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Incorporate Flour and Add-ins: Add the all-purpose flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (if using) to the bowl. Stir just until there are no streaks of flour visible, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
6. Cool and Slice: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 10 thick slices and serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a few extra walnuts or chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking.
• Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, slightly increase the sugar to 1 cup.
• Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
• You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten free.

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