The Best Banana Bread Recipe

introduction

This cozy, buttery banana bread is the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with warm, nostalgic smells and makes mornings feel special — the perfect banana bread for snacks, breakfast, or an afternoon treat. If you love sweet spreads and fruit-forward toppings, try it with a spoonful of caramelized apples for an extra cozy pairing.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Banana Bread Recipe:

• Ultra-moist crumb that stays tender for days — great for meal prep.
• Quick to mix: no mixer needed, just a bowl and a spoon.
• Family-friendly flavor everyone will reach for at snack time.
• Flexible: add nuts, chocolate, or spices to match your mood.
• Perfect for gifting — slice, wrap, and share.

Ingredients Needed :

Wet ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Sweetener:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

Dry ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (or 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional mix-ins & toppings:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda (or powder), and salt to the banana mixture. Combine until just mixed; do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Bake for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cooling before slicing.

Serving Suggestions The Best Banana Bread Recipe

• Warm slices with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee for an easy breakfast.
• Top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a lighter treat.
• Make a decadent dessert by toasting slices and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a fruity, matcha-forward option like a refreshing Blueberry Matcha beverage for brunch.

Tips for Success The Best Banana Bread Recipe

• Use very ripe bananas (freckled or black-skinned) for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour — a few streaks of flour are fine to keep the loaf tender.
• Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid a dense loaf.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30–40 minutes of baking.
• Let the loaf cool at least 10–15 minutes in the pan before removing to slice cleanly.
• For a brunch spread contrast, serve slices alongside a savory chicken philly cheesesteak or other hearty mains.

variation (if any)

• Chocolate chip banana bread: fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips just before baking.
• Nutty banana bread: swap chips for 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Cinnamon-swirl: stir 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon into half the batter and layer for a swirl.
• Savory twist: reduce sugar to 1/4 cup, add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and a pinch of black pepper for a savory-sweet loaf.
  For a crunchy side on a brunch board, consider serving small baskets of battered fries for guests who like sweet + salty contrasts.

FAQs

Q: How ripe should the bananas be for best results?
A: Very ripe — lots of brown speckles or mostly black skin. They mash easily and give maximum sweetness and flavor.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
A: Yes — substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier loaf, but expect a slightly denser texture.

Q: How should I store leftover banana bread?
A: Keep tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to a week. You can also freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I halve or double this recipe?
A: You can halve it for a smaller loaf (use a 5×3" pan and reduce bake time) or double for two standard 8×4 loaves; check doneness with a toothpick.

Banana Bread

This cozy, buttery banana bread has an ultra-moist crumb and is perfect for snacks, breakfast, or an afternoon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet ingredients

• 3 pieces very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed Use freckled or black-skinned bananas for best flavor.
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Sweetener

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

Dry ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour Measure by spooning into the cup to avoid a dense loaf.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (or 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder)
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional mix-ins & toppings

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips Add before baking if desired.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda (or powder), and salt to the banana mixture. Combine until just mixed; do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8x4 inch loaf pan. Bake for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cooling before slicing.

Notes

For a savory twist, reduce sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Let the loaf cool at least 10 minutes in the pan before slicing cleanly.