Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof treat that’s as comforting as a cozy Sunday morning, Banana Bread is your answer! This classic loaf is everything you crave: soft, sweet, and loaded with the rich flavor of ripe bananas. Whip it up for an afternoon snack, breakfast on the go, or as a way to use up those lonely bananas lounging on your counter. With a moist crumb and an aroma that will have everyone peeking into the kitchen, this homemade Banana Bread is about to become your go-to baking recipe when you want to make hearts (and tummies) happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Banana Bread is all about simple, everyday ingredients working together in delicious harmony. Each one plays a starring role, from the buttery base to the pop of nuts or chocolate, giving the loaf its irresistible taste and perfect, tender texture.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper and spottier, the better—they bring sweetness and moisture to every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives a rich flavor and ensures a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crust caramelize beautifully.
- Large Eggs: These bind everything together and add a soft, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash boosts warm, classic flavor—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure-maker for a loaf that holds together perfectly.
- Baking Soda: Essential for rise and a light, airy finish.
- Salt: Just a little to enhance all the lovely flavors in the loaf.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): For a hint of cozy spice that pairs wonderfully with banana.
- Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): Fold these in for crunch or gooey chocolate pockets!
How to Make Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for a golden loaf. Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan generously so nothing sticks and you’re guaranteed beautiful slices every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This crucial step adds air to your batter for a wonderfully soft Banana Bread loaf.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays smooth. Stir in your mashed bananas and a splash of vanilla extract, infusing the batter with rich flavor and natural sweetness.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Mixing these dry ingredients helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter and prevents overmixing later on.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gently add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined—don’t overdo it! If you want to make this Banana Bread extra special, now’s your chance to fold in a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the beautiful, thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Give the loaf 10 minutes to cool in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Once it’s completely cool, slice it up and marvel at your delicious, homemade Banana Bread.
How to Serve Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up slices of Banana Bread with a smear of creamy butter, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey. For an elegant touch, try some sliced fresh bananas on top or a handful of toasted nuts for extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your warm loaf with a chilled glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or some tangy yogurt and berries for breakfast. Banana Bread is just as welcome next to afternoon tea or nestled alongside some fresh fruit salad at brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Banana Bread into decadent French toast, cube it for a sweet bread pudding, or serve thick slices alongside ice cream for dessert. Individually wrap slices for a lovely lunchbox treat, or add a ribbon for homemade gifts that wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Banana Bread perfectly moist, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For even longer freshness, pop it in the fridge—just be sure it’s sealed well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Banana Bread is a freezer-friendly superstar! Slice and wrap each piece individually, or freeze the whole loaf. Use airtight bags or containers, and it’ll taste fresh for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re craving a slice.
Reheating
Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop it in the toaster for that just-baked taste. This brings back the soft crumb and makes your kitchen smell like you baked Banana Bread all over again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas in Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Just thaw your bananas completely, drain any excess liquid, and mash as usual. Frozen bananas are often even sweeter, making your loaf extra delicious.
Why did my Banana Bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if the bread wasn’t baked quite long enough. Make sure to mix gently and check the loaf with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Can I make Banana Bread without eggs?
Yes! Swap each egg for a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit to thicken) or use a store-bought egg replacer—Banana Bread is forgiving and still turns out moist and tasty.
How do I know when Banana Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Banana Bread is ready. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
What can I add to customize this Banana Bread recipe?
Try mixing in dried fruit, coconut, different nuts, or swirling in a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter before baking—there’s no end to creative twists!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to whip up this Banana Bread soon—there’s nothing like the smell of it baking to lift your spirits and win you kitchen hero points. Fresh, homemade, and so simple, it just might become your new tradition. Happy baking, and let me know how your loaf turns out!
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Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. With the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and bananas: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Overripe bananas with dark spots provide the best flavor.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
