Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s moist, tender, full of sweet banana flavor, and the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. This classic banana bread recipe is simple enough for beginners, but with the baking science and tips I’ll share, it turns out bakery-quality every single time.
Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, packed for breakfast, or as a comforting snack with coffee, this is the only banana bread recipe you’ll ever need.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist, fluffy, and never dry.
- Easy to make in one bowl with simple ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or healthier swaps.
- Tested multiple times for foolproof results.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
(For 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf)
- 3 ripe bananas (the more overripe, the sweeter)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (or ½ cup honey/maple syrup for natural sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (or use half whole wheat for a healthier version)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup (80g) chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- Mix in butter and sugar until fully combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
- Stir in dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon) gently until just combined – do not overmix.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
👉 Pro Tip: If your bread is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
🔬 The Baking Science Behind Perfect Banana Bread
- Why overripe bananas? As bananas ripen, starch turns into sugar, giving natural sweetness and a moist texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making bread tough instead of soft.
- Butter vs. oil: Butter gives flavor, oil gives extra moisture. Use half and half for balance.
- Pan type matters: Metal pans bake faster and give a crispier crust, while glass pans may need 5–10 extra minutes.
🍫 Variations You’ll Love
- Banana Nut Bread – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
- Healthy Banana Bread – Use whole wheat flour, honey/maple syrup, and coconut oil.
- Vegan Banana Bread – Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water).
- Banana Muffins – Bake in muffin tins at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
🥄 Serving Ideas
- Warm slice with a pat of butter.
- Spread with peanut butter or cream cheese.
- Toasted slices topped with honey drizzle.
- Served with coffee, tea, or milk.
🥶 Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room temperature: Wrap tightly, lasts 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic + foil, up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go.
📊 Nutrition (per slice, 10 servings)
- Calories: ~215
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
❓ FAQs About Banana Bread
Q: Why does my banana bread sink in the middle?
A: It’s often underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure the center is fully cooked before removing.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes! Thaw them first, drain excess liquid, and mash.
Q: How do I quickly ripen bananas?
A: Bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until skins blacken. Cool, then use.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but bake in two pans for even cooking.
🏆 Final Thoughts
This classic banana bread recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s moist, fluffy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick to the classic or try fun variations, this banana bread will become your go-to recipe for years to come.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know your favorite twist. Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share it with family and friends!
Leave a Reply