Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Classic Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—moist, tender, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This timeless recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s a foolproof way to turn overripe bananas into a delicious homemade treat.

Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or even a drizzle of honey, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls, whisk
• wooden spoon or spatula
• loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 inches or 9 x 5 inches)
• parchment paper
• cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2-3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to incorporate.

Gently fold in the flour until just combined. If using add-ins, fold them in at this stage. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
50-60 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Nutrition (per slice, approx. 10 servings)

• Calories: ~190
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

Expert Tips

Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.

Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap after cooling to keep it moist longer.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.

Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the bread may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

How do I know when it’s done baking? Check with a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Substitutions & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for extra flavor. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar before baking for a crunchy crust.

Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Classic Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—moist, tender, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This timeless recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert

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Equipment

• Mixing bowls, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 inches or 9 x 5 inches), parchment paper, cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 ripe bananas about 1 cup mashed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• **Optional Add-Ins**
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
• Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to incorporate.
• Gently fold in the flour until just combined. If using add-ins, fold them in at this stage. Do not overmix.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.