Overripe bananas on the kitchen counter always signal it’s time for this yummy banana bread. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a staple in our household for breakfast, a midday snack, or anytime really – until it’s gone!.
Soft, tender, and packed with sweet banana flavor, this Banana Bread is a timeless favorite that’s as comforting as a warm hug. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients can turn into such cozy goodness.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy afternoon treats, it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking bananas and warm spices. If you’re looking for more easy-bake comfort foods, you might also love our Milk Chocolate Muffins — rich, fluffy, and perfect with coffee.
Simple to make, endlessly versatile, and always crowd-pleasing, banana bread is a classic recipe every home baker should have. You could also try our Classic Brownies when you’re craving a chocolatey twist on home-baked tradition.
✅ Recipe Summary
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 55 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
👥 Servings: 8–10 slices
⚡ Difficulty: Easy
🧾 Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 360g)
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan. - In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in nuts if using. - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
📌 Notes
✅ Use very ripe, heavily speckled bananas for the best flavor.
✅ Don’t overmix the batter — it should be just combined to keep the bread tender.
✅ Let the bread cool fully before slicing for cleaner cuts.
🔄 Variations & Add-ons
✅ Add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
✅ Swirl in a little peanut butter or Nutella for extra richness.
✅ Top with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking for a crunchy crust.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
🌍 Background Story
Banana Bread rose to popularity during the Great Depression, when home bakers sought creative ways to use up overripe bananas instead of wasting them.
It quickly became a beloved staple of American baking, loved for its simplicity, adaptability, and heartwarming flavor.
Today, banana bread feels timeless — whether enjoyed plain with coffee, dressed up with nuts and chocolate, or transformed into decadent French toast.
This classic version stays true to its roots: humble ingredients, easy preparation, and a result that always feels special.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy banana bread plain, lightly toasted with butter, or even slathered with cream cheese or peanut butter.
It’s perfect alongside coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk.
❓ FAQs About Banana Bread
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop it in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temp — still as moist and delicious.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
No problem. Bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until soft and blackened. Let them cool, then peel and mash. Not quite the same, but close enough.
Can I make banana bread vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use coconut oil or vegan butter. The crumb will be slightly different, but the flavor stays lovely and rich.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
Usually, it’s from overmixing the batter or underbaking. Use a light hand when stirring, and check doneness with a toothpick — it should come out mostly clean.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can. Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat. It makes the loaf a bit heartier and adds a subtle nutty flavor — great for breakfast bakes.
How do I store banana bread to keep it fresh?
Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly and store at room temp for 2–3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate — though the texture is best when served at room temp.
Can I add extras like chocolate or fruit?
Definitely. Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of blueberries all work beautifully. Just fold them in at the end before baking.
✨ Final Thoughts
Moist, tender, and brimming with sweet banana goodness, this Banana Bread is a timeless classic that brings simple joy to every slice.
At home, we slice it thick and slather on butter while it’s still warm. It rarely makes it past the second day.
Comforting, easy, and (almost) endlessly delicious.
