How to Make the Best, Easiest Banana Bread
There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of banana bread baking in the oven. It's a timeless classic for a reason: it's simple, incredibly delicious, and the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
This no-fail recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful loaf every single time. Forget dry, bland bread; this is the only guide you'll ever need.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and butter creates a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this bread in the oven in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Equipment You'll Need
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate medium bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In your large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. You want a texture that's mostly smooth but still has a few small lumps for character. The riper and more brown-spotted your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Pro Tip
Use VERY ripe bananas - the darker and spottier, the better. They are sweeter and provide more moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In the separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is key for a perfect rise.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing develops gluten and will make your bread tough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a deep golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. It's tempting to slice into it right away, but letting it cool ensures clean slices and a perfectly set texture.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Don't scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and can lead to dry bread.
- Don't Overmix: This is the most common mistake. Mix only until the flour disappears. Lumps are your friend!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. Start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. A clean toothpick from the center is the most reliable test.
Fun Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Chocolate Lover's: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Extra Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
How to Store Banana Bread
Store the completely cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting
Bread too dense? You likely overmixed the batter. Next time, fold just until combined.
Bread not rising? Check your baking soda expiration date - it loses potency over time.
Top burning? Cover with foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.
This foolproof recipe will give you perfectly moist, delicious banana bread every time. Happy baking!