Banana bread is a moist, sweet, and flavorful quick bread made with ripe bananas. It’s a beloved classic that turns overripe bananas into a delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, banana bread combines the natural sweetness of bananas with a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re baking it for family or sharing with friends, this recipe is simple, forgiving, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert / Snack |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
| Calories | 210 per slice |
Banana bread is a quick bread, meaning it uses baking soda or baking powder instead of yeast for rising. It’s a straightforward recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
Equipment Needed
To bake the perfect banana bread, gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: At least two — one for dry ingredients, one for wet.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for good texture.
- Fork or potato masher: To mash the bananas smoothly.
- Whisk or spoon: For mixing wet and dry ingredients.
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches): The classic shape for banana bread.
- Cooling rack: To cool your bread evenly without sogginess.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot pans.
- Toothpick or cake tester: To check doneness.
Having all these handy will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Optional add-ins (for extra flavor and texture):
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl with a fork until smooth.
- Mix melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
- Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir in flour gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Essential Note:
Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps your bread soft and tender. Use ripe bananas with brown spots; underripe ones won’t give enough sweetness or flavor. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 50 minutes. Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
