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Best Easy Banana Bread 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Ingredients

  • 34 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