Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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