Best Banana Bread
This Best Banana Bread recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a tender crumb. Made with simple pantry staples and easy steps, it promises perfect results every time—ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Whether enjoyed as a cozy snack, breakfast, or thoughtful gift, this classic banana bread balances warm spices and versatile flavors for an irresistibly delicious treat.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Spices and Add-ins
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan thoroughly. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving just a few small lumps for texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the sugar and mix well until combined. Fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring an even batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg in another bowl to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution.
- Bring It All Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough bread texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Stir the batter only until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Butter will add richness and flavor, while oil helps keep the bread moist longer.
- Check doneness early with a toothpick test to avoid overbaking and drying out the bread.
- Allow the bread to cool 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts and better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, classic banana bread, banana loaf, breakfast bread