Best Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This classic banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Using ripe bananas and a simple mix of ingredients, it creates a perfect quick bread that’s delicious for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8×4-inch bread pans with parchment paper or grease them well with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small bits for texture. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
7. Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. For extra indulgence, spread a little butter on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
• Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent loaf.

Storage

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely before mashing. They work just as well and add great moisture.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The bread is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Best Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves (8 servings per loaf, total 16 servings) 1x

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Description

This Best Banana Bread Recipe is a classic, moist, and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas, butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, it yields two loaves of deliciously tender bread with a golden-brown crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for using up overripe bananas, this banana bread is a crowd-pleaser at any time of day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3–4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8×4 inch bread pans with parchment paper or grease them well with butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mash Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly using a fork. Aim for a mixture with mostly smooth texture but small bits of banana pieces remaining for added texture. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating until fully combined and smooth.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until the flour mixture is combined with the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
6. Mix in Bananas and Vanilla: Finally, fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the batter until the bananas are evenly incorporated throughout.
7. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared bread pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the tops are puffed, golden brown, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the loaves from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Serve the banana bread warm, at room temperature, or cold. Optionally, spread a little butter on each slice for extra richness and flavor.

Notes

• Using ripe or overripe bananas ensures maximum banana flavor and natural sweetness.
• You can substitute unsalted butter with salted butter but reduce added salt accordingly.
• For moisture variation, adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt can enhance texture.
• Freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be added with dry ingredients for added warmth.
• Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, quick bread, baking, banana recipe, homemade bread, easy banana bread