Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This best easy banana bread recipe is a classic treat that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a homemade loaf that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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 to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring well with a large wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the all-purpose flour and walnuts or chocolate chips if using. Stir just until you see no streaks of flour remaining—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top as needed. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cut into 10 thick slices and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture and flavor, try adding a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
• Substitute chopped pecans or dried fruit for the walnuts for a different texture and taste.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to enhance the warm spice profile.
• To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf or individual slices wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the flavor and texture of the bread.

Can I make this banana bread vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and use vegan butter or oil instead of salted butter.

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 484 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, walnuts or chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s simple to prepare and uses common pantry ingredients, resulting in a deliciously tender banana bread with a golden crust.

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven 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. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and pure vanilla extract. Stir everything well using a large wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and combined.
3. Add Dry Spices: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir again to distribute the leavening agents and spices uniformly.
4. Incorporate Flour and Nuts/Chips: Add the all-purpose flour and the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the mixture. Stir gently and just until there are no visible streaks of flour remaining—do not overmix to keep the bread tender. Then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the bread; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve: After cooling in the pan, carefully turn the banana bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 10 thick slices and serve.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• If preferred, chocolate chips can be added instead of nuts for a sweeter treat.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bread moist and tender.
• Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, ripe banana recipe, walnut banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread, quick bread