Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful way to use up overripe bananas, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-31T13:52:13.973Z

Banana bread has been a beloved recipe for generations. This easy version will quickly become a family favorite!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that's hard to resist
Perfectly sweet with a hint of cinnamon
Great way to use up overripe bananas

      

The Perfect Use for Overripe Bananas

When bananas start to turn brown, many people toss them out, but this is the perfect time to make banana bread. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, making them ideal for baking. Their natural sweetness means you can reduce added sugar, allowing the bananas to shine in your recipe. Plus, using up these forgotten fruits reduces waste and saves money.

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe not only helps you make the most of overripe bananas but also delivers a deliciously moist loaf that your family will love. The combination of mashed bananas and melted butter creates a tender crumb, and with just a hint of cinnamon, each slice offers a warm and comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

To ensure your banana bread turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips. First, use very ripe bananas; the browner, the better. This enhances the sweetness and flavor of the bread. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.

Another essential tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, as overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Finally, keep an eye on your bread while it bakes. Ovens can vary significantly, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Serving and Storing Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled, it’s time to enjoy it! Serve it plain, or spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on top for added flavor. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. You can also toast slices for a crispy treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

If you have leftovers, store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes.

Ingredients

Banana Bread Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Incorporate Flour

Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Customization Ideas

One of the great things about banana bread is its versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet treat, or fold in chopped nuts for added crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also lend a delightful texture and flavor.

For those who enjoy a spiced flavor profile, try incorporating a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. These spices can elevate your banana bread, making it even more aromatic and delicious. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors; the possibilities are endless!

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make this banana bread a bit healthier, consider swapping out some of the ingredients. You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can substitute coconut oil or applesauce for part of the butter to reduce saturated fat.

Another option is to reduce the sugar content. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas often means you can cut the sugar in half without sacrificing flavor. This makes the bread a healthier option while still retaining that delicious taste that everyone loves.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them before mashing and use as directed.

→ How should I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I tell when the banana bread is done?

It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.