If you’ve got a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, you’re just steps away from making the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. No mixer required and only one bowl to clean up!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
- ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients
- ✅ Perfectly moist without being heavy
- ✅ Sweet but not overly sugary
- ✅ Easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
- ⅓ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for less sweet)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp cinnamon for extra warmth
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bananas
Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture, then gently stir in the flour. Mix just until no streaks remain—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the bread soft.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a golden crust.
Storage
- Room temperature: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap, lasts up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Stays fresh for about 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices or whole loaf wrapped tightly, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Printable Recipe Card
Classic Banana Bread
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 55 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins | Servings: 8
Ingredients:
2–3 ripe bananas, ⅓ cup melted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp baking soda, pinch salt, 1 ½ cups flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash bananas, stir in butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add baking soda, salt, and flour—mix gently.
- Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake 55–65 minutes.
- Cool 10 minutes before slicing.