Go Back
Loaf of homemade banana bread topped with sliced bananas and walnuts

Best Banana Bread

This cozy, classic loaf is moist, warmly spiced, and easy to whip up, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Batter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 to 4 medium ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional mix-ins & topping
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips Optional
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar For sprinkling
  • a pinch cinnamon for topping Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Add mashed ripe bananas and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm slices with butter or cream cheese. For extra flavor, try caramelizing apples as a topping. Cool fully before slicing for cleaner slices.