Name: Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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Few things embody homey comfort quite like the warm, sweet aroma of Banana Bread wafting from the oven. This timeless treat transforms ripe bananas into a moist, tender loaf bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Whether you enjoy a slice for breakfast, as a midday snack, or for dessert, Banana Bread is always a crowd-pleaser, offering just the right balance of sweetness and a satisfying, cake-like crumb that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the backbone of this recipe: these simple, familiar ingredients each play a significant role in bringing out the best in Banana Bread. Every item, from overripe bananas to a touch of vanilla, serves to create magic in your loaf—adding flavor, moistness, or a bit of crunch.

Bananas (3 ripe, mashed): Super-ripe bananas are a must for that deep, natural sweetness and moist texture.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the bread richness and a luxuriously tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the loaf and enhances the caramel notes of the bananas.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and create a soft, cohesive texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth, making the flavors pop.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without making the bread dense.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Makes the loaf rise beautifully, ensuring it’s tender and light.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
Optional: Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Add crunch or bursts of melty chocolate, depending on your mood.

How to Make Banana Bread

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. A trusty loaf pan and a quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray guarantee your Banana Bread will release easily after baking, keeping all those delicious edges perfectly intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Keep mixing until it’s light, fluffy, and looks cloudlike—this step traps air, making your Banana Bread astonishingly tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas next—the bananas will make the batter look a bit curdled, but don’t worry! They bring sweetness, moisture, and that signature Banana Bread flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding them in prevents clumps and ensures your leavening agent is distributed evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—over-mixing leads to a tough loaf, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point.

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour your Banana Bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Banana Bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off—the texture sets perfectly, making slicing a snap and keeping every piece as moist as possible.

How to Serve Banana Bread

Garnishes

Dress your Banana Bread to impress! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds instant charm, while a drizzle of honey or a smear of rich butter turns each slice into a decadent treat. For those who love extra crunch, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking gives your loaf a bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread shines with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, but you can also pair it with Greek yogurt and berries for a balanced, wholesome breakfast. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or soft scrambled eggs for satisfying variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing leftover Banana Bread and griddling it like French toast for a breakfast remix, or cube it and layer with whipped cream and berries for a quick, crowd-pleasing trifle. You can even toast a slice and top with nut butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a comforting snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any extra Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay moist and delicious on the counter for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Banana Bread freezes beautifully for a treat anytime. Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and pop it in the freezer. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight on the counter or gently reheat for solo servings.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked magic, warm Banana Bread slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast them gently in the oven. This revives the moisture and intensifies the flavor—especially dreamy with a pat of butter on top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often a bit sweeter and add fantastic moisture, making them a great fit for this recipe.

How do I know when my Banana Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center of the loaf; it should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs, not gooey batter. Every oven is a bit different, so check at the 55-minute mark and continue baking as needed.

Why is my Banana Bread dense, not fluffy?

Usually, overmixing the batter or using too much flour causes a dense loaf. Remember to mix just until the flour disappears for that tender, springy texture everybody loves.

Can I make this Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the crumb light instead of crumbly.

What add-ins work best with Banana Bread?

Chopped walnuts and chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to try pecans, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter. Each variation puts a delicious spin on the classic loaf.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, failproof treat, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a homemade Banana Bread. With its inviting aroma and irresistible flavor, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Give it a try—I promise you’ll want to make Banana Bread again and again!

Banana Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic banana bread recipe is moist, tender, and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this easy-to-make bread is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix until just combined.
Add optional ingredients: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.