Banana Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low

Introduction

This Classic Banana Bread is moist, soft, and packed with rich banana flavor—everything banana bread should be. It’s the perfect use for overripe bananas and requires just a few pantry staples. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this one-bowl banana bread recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails.

Make it your own by adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or a swirl of cinnamon. You’ll be baking this again and again.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1¼ to 1½ cups, mashed)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Whisk or electric mixer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 9×5-inch loaf pan

• Spatula

• Toothpick (for doneness check)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

• In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

• Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.

Optional: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon at this stage.

Step 5: Bake

• Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.

• Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

• Use overripe bananas: Brown and spotty bananas are ideal for rich flavor and sweetness.

• Don’t overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears for a tender crumb.

• Room temperature ingredients help the batter blend smoothly.

• Add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips add texture and flavor—just don’t exceed 3/4 cup total.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 1 week when wrapped tightly.

• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic and foil; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave slices for a quick treat.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, based on 10 slices)

Approximate values

• Calories: 210

• Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 200mg