Best Banana Bread
This cozy, classic loaf is moist, warmly spiced, and easy to whip up, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add mashed ripe bananas and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- 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.