Baking is like magic, especially when it involves a warm loaf of banana bread. Picture this: the aroma of sweet, ripe bananas mingling with hints of vanilla fills your kitchen while golden-brown crust forms on the outside. Each slice boasts a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. This easy banana bread recipe will have you grinning from ear to ear as you indulge in its deliciousness.

Remember the first time you tasted homemade banana bread? Perhaps it was at Grandma’s house, where every bite felt like a warm hug. This delightful treat is perfect for brunches, cozy evenings, or even as an afternoon snack paired with your favorite cup of coffee. So get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy banana bread recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor
- Its delightful aroma and golden crust create an inviting ambiance in your kitchen
- Perfectly moist and sweet, this banana bread is versatile enough for breakfast or dessert
- You can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture
My family still raves about the time I accidentally used half-baked bananas for this recipe—they didn’t seem to mind!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are brown and soft; their natural sweetness enhances the flavor immensely.
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All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works wonders here; just make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, but feel free to adjust based on how sweet your bananas are.
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Baking Soda: This ingredient is essential for a fluffy texture, so don’t skip it!
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
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Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; melted butter adds richness.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors; don’t skimp on this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures easy removal later.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash 3-4 ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Mix Wet Ingredients Together: Stir in melted butter along with one beaten egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Sprinkle in one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold until just combined—overmixing leads to dense bread!
Pour & Bake!: Transfer the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool & Slice!: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature—it’s irresistibly delicious either way!
This easy banana bread recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also become an instant family favorite! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This easy banana bread recipe is a delightful way to use overripe bananas
- The warm aroma fills your kitchen, and it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can impress even the pickiest eaters
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mash the bananas. Mix wet ingredients first, then fold in dry ones for a perfectly blended batter.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. You can also try substituting some sugar with honey or maple syrup for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy it warm, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This easy banana bread recipe is all about balance; ensure your bananas are ripe enough for natural sweetness
- Measure your flour accurately to avoid a dense loaf, and let it cool before slicing to maintain its structure
It reminds me of the time my friend brought over her famous banana bread to a potluck. Everyone raved about it, and I realized I had been missing out on this simple delight!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas in this easy banana bread recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before mashing.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
Can I make this easy banana bread recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Easy Banana Bread
Baking banana bread is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and vanilla. This easy banana bread recipe combines simple ingredients to create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With golden-brown crust and tender crumb, each slice is a taste of nostalgia and comfort. Customize it with chocolate chips or nuts to elevate its deliciousness further!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- Mix in melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; fold gently until just mixed.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg