If you’re looking for the best banana bread recipe that’s easy, moist, and made with simple ingredients, this is the one! This step-by-step guide includes everything you need to make perfect banana bread at home — with no mixer required.
Use this recipe to turn your overripe bananas into a soft, flavorful, golden-brown loaf you’ll want to bake again and again.
🧾 Exact Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread
This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf of moist banana bread.
🍌 Wet Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can use ½ white + ¼ brown sugar for richer flavor)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
🥄 Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but adds great flavor)
➕ Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Banana Bread
Follow these easy instructions for a foolproof homemade banana bread that’s soft, rich, and full of flavor.
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
🍌 Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas using a fork or potato masher.
- You want them soft and almost liquid with a few small lumps.
💡 High-CPC tip: Ripe bananas are perfect for baking – never throw them away!
🧈 Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- Stir in the melted butter until smooth.
- Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
🥣 Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon.
✅ Do not overmix – this will keep your banana bread soft and tender.
🍫 Step 5: Fold in Extras
- Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or any extras you like.
🧁 Step 6: Pour & Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top for a sweet crust (optional).
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
⏱️ Tip: Check at 50 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
❄️ Step 7: Cool, Slice & Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy with butter, cream cheese, or as is!
📌 Storage & Freezing Tips
🕒 Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave.
🧁 Bonus: Banana Bread Variations
Want to change it up? Here are some delicious variations:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread – Add ¼ cup peanut butter
- Banana Nut Bread – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Banana Chocolate Chip Bread – Add ½ cup chocolate chips
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
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🥳 Final Thoughts
This easy banana bread recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s delicious, budget-friendly, and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or just for yourself, you’ll love how quick and satisfying it is.
