Description
Moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make banana bread that uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness and tenderness. This classic recipe is perfect for all skill levels and can be customized with nuts, chocolate, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup sugar (white, brown, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- ½ cup melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
- ½ cup fruit (blueberries, shredded coconut, or pineapple)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and gather all your measured ingredients for easy mixing.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, salt, and any spices you wish to add.
- Mix wet and dry together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
- Bake your bread: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps it set perfectly.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor and sweetness.
- Mix the batter just until combined to keep bread tender and light.
- Check doneness early since oven temperatures may vary.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter/oil for better mixing and texture.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips at the end to evenly distribute without crushing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 to 65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg