Few things are as comforting as a warm slice of banana bread straight out of the oven. Whether you’re looking for a classic banana bread recipe, an easy banana bread recipe, or simply the best banana bread recipe you can find, this guide has you covered!

With simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, you can bake a moist, flavorful banana bread that will become a staple in your home.

Why This is the Best Banana Bread Recipe

Moist and Tender Texture: Perfectly soft and flavorful with just the right amount of sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Versatile: Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for extra flavor.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and store for later!

Ingredients for the Best Banana Bread

Basic Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large, mashed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
1/2 cup chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.

How to Make Banana Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8×4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper or grease them with butter or baking spray.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 7: Add the Bananas and Vanilla

Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Pour into Loaf Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm with butter!

Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

1. Use Overripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots!

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense banana bread.

3. Adjust Baking Time for Different Pan Sizes

If using a 9×5-inch loaf pan, bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then lower to 325°F for another 20-25 minutes.

4. Tent with Foil if Needed

If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

For added texture, sprinkle coarse sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to Store Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

How to Freeze Banana Bread

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for a few seconds.

Variations & Customizations

1. Banana Nut Bread

Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat.

3. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the batter for a warm spice flavor.

4. Healthy Banana Bread

Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my banana bread dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dry banana bread. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.

2. Can I make banana bread without eggs?

Yes! Replace eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.

3. Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Blueberries or raspberries make a great addition.

4. How can I make banana bread more moist?

Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt will make it even more moist and tender.

The Best Banana Bread Ever! 🍌🍞

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh banana bread baking in the kitchen! This classic family recipe is incredibly moist, soft, and packed with banana flavor. It’s a staple in our home, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Spread a little butter on a warm slice, and you’ll be in heaven! If you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter, this is your sign to turn them into something delicious.

Ingredients

✅ ½ cup unsalted butter (room temp)
✅ 1 cup granulated sugar
✅ 2 large eggs
✅ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✅ 1 tsp baking soda
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ 3-4 medium bananas (mashed)
✅ 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8×4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper or grease well.
2️⃣ In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth but slightly chunky. Set aside.
3️⃣ In another bowl, cream butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Beat in the eggs until well combined.
5️⃣ Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
6️⃣ Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
7️⃣ Divide batter evenly between the loaf pans and bake for 35-40 minutes (until a toothpick comes out clean).
8️⃣ Let the loaves cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

✔️ For one larger loaf, bake in a 9×5-inch pan at 350°F for 35 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F and bake for 20-25 more minutes.
✔️ If the top is browning too fast, tent with foil to protect it while baking.
✔️ This bread tastes amazing warm, cold, or toasted with a little butter!

Who else is ready for a slice of banana heaven? 🍌💛 Let me know how you like to enjoy yours! 👇

Final Thoughts

This best banana bread recipe is an easy and foolproof way to bake a delicious homemade treat. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, toasted, or with a cup of coffee, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try this classic banana bread recipe today and share your baking experience in the comments below!