Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy banana bread recipe is a classic favorite that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy homemade banana bread in just over an hour.

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, mix the mashed bananas and melted butter together. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, then stir well with a wooden spoon.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the flour and walnuts or chocolate chips, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 10 thick pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether if preferred.
• Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips inside the batter and sprinkle some on top before baking for a chocolatey twist.
• If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness.

Storage

Store banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or toaster 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 well. Let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.

How can I make the banana bread more moist?

Using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter helps keep the bread moist. You can also substitute some of the sugar with brown sugar or add a tablespoon of yogurt for extra moisture.

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and the option to add crunchy walnuts or sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 thick slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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 bananas with the melted butter. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and pure vanilla extract. Stir vigorously with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.
3. Add Leavening and Spices: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir everything together to incorporate these ingredients fully.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using. Stir gently just until no streaks of flour remain, taking care not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 10 thick slices before serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Optionally, substitute walnuts with chocolate chips or a mix of both for variety.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Store banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, walnut banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread, quick bread, baked goods