If you have some ripe bananas sitting on your counter and are craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, this Easy Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully moist, tender loaf packed with warm flavors that feels like a hug in bread form. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving, quick to whip up, and produces a banana bread so rich in flavor you’ll want to bake it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and that golden hue. From the bananas’ natural sweetness to the gentle lift of baking soda, every element comes together perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to your bread, ensuring it’s tender but holds together well.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping your bread rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm spice note that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Gives the bread richness and a subtly tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the natural banana taste.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and stability to the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups): The star of the show—these add moisture, sweetness, and unmistakable banana goodness.
- 1/4 cup milk or plain yogurt: Adds moisture and helps keep the texture wonderfully soft and tender.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well to ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick, making it easier to slice and serve once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). This step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly combined, which helps the bread rise evenly and develop great texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air for a lighter texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract—this little addition makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
Step 4: Add Bananas and Milk
Fold in your mashed bananas along with the milk or yogurt, mixing until smooth. This mixture is the heart of your banana bread, delivering moisture, sweetness, and a luscious consistency throughout.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the batter can make your banana bread tough rather than tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this banana bread is delicious on its own, adding fresh garnishes can lift the experience. Try a spread of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty and tasty finish. Toasting slices briefly and topping with cream cheese or nut butter makes for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a side of fresh fruit to keep it light and balanced, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement that warm, sweet flavor. Yogurt with nuts or granola on the side also makes a delightful and nutritious breakfast combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve with various toppings in little bowls—think chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon sugar. You can even turn slices into French toast for a brilliant breakfast upgrade. The possibilities with this Easy Banana Bread Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your banana bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days. Keeping it wrapped well prevents drying out and keeps its lovely texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this easy banana bread recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for just 15 to 20 seconds. This quick reheating helps revive the soft texture and lets those sweet banana aromas shine through once again.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! The riper, the better. Overripe bananas have more natural sugars and provide the best sweetness and flavor for your banana bread.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and denser texture, but keep in mind the bread might be less tender. Some recipes also work well with gluten-free flour blends.
Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, folding in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking is a fantastic way to add texture and extra flavor to your banana bread.
Why should I not overmix the batter?
Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher and denser bread rather than a soft and tender crumb, which is key for this easy banana bread recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine to make a vegan version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and deliciousness to any table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof, fast, and produces a moist, flavorful loaf every time. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas and bake yourself a batch of this delightful comfort food—you really won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf, about 10 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy banana bread recipe offers a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a simple blend of pantry ingredients, it yields a tender loaf with a subtly sweet, comforting taste. The method involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining and baking in a loaf pan for a classic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup milk or plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Add Bananas and Dairy: Mix the mashed bananas and milk or yogurt into the wet ingredients until smooth, which adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, which helps the texture set properly.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
- Banana bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
