The Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a cozy kitchen classic for a reason: it’s irresistibly moist, packed with banana flavor, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, this foolproof banana bread delivers every time. All you need is a bowl, a whisk, and a few ripe bananas—a dreamy aroma will fill your kitchen in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple, everyday ingredients work together to make the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. Each one brings something important to the table, whether it’s richness, sweetness, or that perfect crumb.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and keep the bread tender and moist.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives the loaf a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right and helps develop that gorgeous golden crust.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for a perfectly set loaf.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, cozy aroma that enhances the banana flavor beautifully.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure for your banana bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Delivers that lovely rise, making each slice light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors sing.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with banana.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a satisfying crunch and a toasty flavor (highly recommended if you love nuts).

How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your loaf pan properly (greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch pan) ensures that your banana bread will release smoothly, keeping the loaf perfect and golden on all sides.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Mix them together until well combined—this is the magic moment when the bananas and butter begin to mingle with the sugar, forming a luscious base. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture turns smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and (if you’re feeling extra cozy) cinnamon. This quick whisk ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, so your loaf rises beautifully and bakes evenly all the way through.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—this is the key to a tender crumb! If you’re adding walnuts or pecans, now’s the time to fold them in for that signature crunch.

Step 5: Bake!

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for 60–65 minutes. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set up. Then run a knife around the edge, transfer the loaf to a wire rack, and let it finish cooling. Once completely cooled, slice and marvel at your handiwork. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar looks lovely and adds extra sweetness. For a wow factor, spread a little butter or cream cheese on each warm slice, or drizzle with a touch of honey. You could also go decadent and add chocolate chips on top while the bread is still warm.

Side Dishes

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. Fresh berries or a tangy Greek yogurt parfait are delicious alongside it, adding some bright contrast to the sweet, rich loaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the banana bread and grilling each piece on a hot pan for a slightly caramelized edge. Or cut the loaf into cubes, skewer them with fruit, and serve as fun breakfast “kabobs” for kids and brunch guests. For special occasions, layer banana bread slices with whipped cream or mascarpone in a trifle dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your banana bread extra moist by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then storing it at room temperature for up to three days. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast on your way out the door.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the whole cooled loaf or individual slices tightly, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

If you love your banana bread warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast it lightly. The gentle heat revives the soft crumb and brings out the banana aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen bananas, drain any excess liquid, and mash them as usual. They work just as well and are a great way to avoid waste.

How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is ready. The top should also look golden and spring back gently when pressed.

Can I make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results are just as moist and delicious.

What other add-ins can I try?

Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or even swirls of peanut butter are all fun additions. Feel free to mix and match to suit your tastes!

Can I use oil instead of butter?

You sure can! Replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil for a slightly different texture and flavor, but still a delightfully moist loaf.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is one of those little kitchen joys—simple, satisfying, and always crowd-pleasing. If you haven’t made it yet, I hope you give it a try soon. Your next cozy loaf, brimming with banana flavor and memories in the making, is just a bowl and a few ripe bananas away!

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a classic favorite that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, this homemade banana bread is simple to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
Add nuts (optional) and bake: Fold in nuts if desired. Pour batter into pan and bake for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.