Banana Bread

A moist and flavorful classic banana bread recipe made with ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients and quick to prepare.
• Great way to use overripe bananas.
• A versatile recipe that can be customized with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Bananas (mashed)
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans. Mash bananas in a bowl and set aside. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs, one at a time. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Bake the Bread: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 loaves
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
• Replace ½ cup of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

2. How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better—look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

3. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, substitute ½ cup of oil for the butter.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup if desired.

5. Can I make muffins instead?

Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes.

6. Can I add cinnamon?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon adds great flavor.

7. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

8. Can I make mini loaves?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes for mini loaves.

9. What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Use a fork or potato masher for a smooth texture.

10. Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, mix flour, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly topping to sprinkle on before baking.

Conclusion

Banana bread is a classic recipe that’s both easy and delicious. Whether enjoyed plain or with mix-ins, it’s a comforting treat that never goes out of style.

Banana Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: loaf
• Category: Bread, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Classic, moist Banana Bread made with ripe bananas for the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. A timeless recipe for breakfast, snack, or dessert! #bananabread #homemadebread #baking

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3–4 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Mash the Bananas:
  • Peel the bananas and place them in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
• Cream Butter and Sugar:
  • In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add Wet Ingredients:
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined.
• Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense bread.
• Bake the Bread:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool and Serve:
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

---

Notes

• Add-Ins: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Freezing Tips: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices as needed.
• Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.