Tired of tossing out those spotty bananas? Don’t! This tried-and-true banana bread recipe will turn them into the ultimate breakfast treat. Incredibly moist, packed with real banana flavor, and so simple anyone can make it; this is the only breakfast banana bread recipe you’ll ever need.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of banana bread fresh from the oven, especially in the morning. This recipe isn’t just good; it’s been perfected over years of testing to ensure that every bite is tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet.
Unlike other recipes that call for fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients, this one keeps things simple. All you need are ripe bananas and a few pantry staples. Its foolproof nature means that whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, you can count on consistently amazing results every time.
If you’re ready to fill your home with the comforting scent of freshly baked banana bread, grab those ripe bananas and whip up this delicious breakfast treat. Your mornings just got a whole lot sweeter!
Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
You'll fall in love with this banana bread recipe because it's foolproof and incredibly delicious. With its perfectly moist texture and rich banana flavor, it transforms those spotty bananas into something amazing. It's quick to prepare with basic ingredients you already have, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet versatile enough for experienced bakers to add their own twist. Whether you enjoy it warm with melting butter, as a grab-and-go breakfast, or as a comforting afternoon snack with coffee, this banana bread will quickly become a family favorite. Best of all, it's easily customizable to match your favorite flavors and dietary needs.
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Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make this delicious banana bread recipe:
- Ripe bananas (the browner/spottier, the better)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
Greasing the Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mashing Ripe Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but still with some texture. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- For extra moist banana bread, use bananas with plenty of brown spots - they contain more sugar and moisture.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir well.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix - this can make your banana bread tough instead of tender.
- If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this point.
Preparing Banana Bread for Baking
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked - that's the sign of a perfect banana bread!
Cooling and Slicing Banana Bread
- For the cleanest slices, use a serrated knife.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Step 1: Greasing the Loaf Pan
Greasing a parchment-lined 9×5-inch pan with butter on a white counter to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Mashing Ripe Bananas
Mashing very ripe bananas with a fork in a glass bowl for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Step 3:Mix the Wet Ingredients
Mixing melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla into mashed bananas until smooth.
- Step 4: Adding the Dry Ingredients
Sifting flour, baking soda, and salt into banana mixture to ensure even texture.
- Step 5: Preparing Banana Bread for Baking
Pouring thick banana bread batter with walnuts and chocolate chips into a parchment-lined pan.
- Step 6: Cooling and Slicing Banana Bread
Slicing golden-brown banana bread after cooling on a table rack for clean cuts.
Equipment
- Loaf pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: You'll need a large bowl for mixing the batter.
- Fork or potato masher: For mashing those ripe bananas to the right consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: For mixing your ingredients together.
- Don't worry if you don't have a fancy stand mixer - this easy banana bread recipe comes together perfectly with just a fork and spoon!
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Recipe
- Banana ripeness matters: The browner and spottier your bananas, the better your bread will taste. If your bananas aren't ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple.
- Don't overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the bread tough.
- Check for doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn't done, cover loosely with foil.
- Let it rest: Allow your banana bread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing, then cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- Save those bananas: If your bananas are getting too ripe but you're not ready to bake, peel and freeze them. Frozen bananas work great in this recipe - just thaw before using.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist that kids and adults both love.
Banana Nut Bread Recipe
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic banana nut bread with delicious crunch.
Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
- Reduce the sugar to ½ cup, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for a nutritious boost.
Extra Moist Banana Bread Recipe
- Add ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh longer.
Three Banana Bread Recipe
- For intense banana flavor, use 4 very ripe bananas instead of 3. This makes a super moist banana bread with deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage
Counter Storage
- Store your banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage
- For longer freshness, refrigerate your banana bread for up to 1 week. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
Freezing Instructions
- Banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip
- Prepare the batter up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
My Grandmother's Secret Touch
Nothing compares to the way my grandmother made banana bread. Her secret wasn't just in the ingredients—it was in the love she poured into every loaf. She would gently press a few thin banana slices on top of the batter before baking, then sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar. As the bread baked, these slices would caramelize into sweet, golden medallions that marked her signature touch. "Banana bread recipe should greet you twice," she always said, "first with its aroma, then with its beauty." I've baked hundreds of loaves over my 30 years in the kitchen, but adding this simple flourish still brings me back to her warmth and wisdom. When you try this little touch, you'll understand why neighbors would appear at her door whenever the scent of her banana bread drifted through the neighborhood.
FAQ
What makes banana bread moist?
Extremely ripe bananas are the primary source of moisture in banana bread. Using oil can create a more tender crumb compared to butter. Ingredients like sour cream or yogurt add extra moisture to the mix. Avoid overbaking - remove the bread when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
What ingredients are in a banana bread Recipe?
A classic banana bread contains ripe mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs. Butter or oil, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract are essential ingredients. Optional add-ins include nuts, chocolate chips, or sour cream for extra moisture. Each ingredient contributes to the bread's beloved texture and flavor.
What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread Recipe?
Using bananas that aren't ripe enough is the biggest mistake in banana bread baking. Overmixing the batter leads to a dense, rubbery texture instead of a tender crumb. Many bakers pull the bread out too early, causing the center to collapse. Precision in ripeness, mixing, and baking time is crucial.
What is the secret to the best banana bread Recipe?
The secret lies in using extremely ripe, almost black bananas with abundant dark spots. These overripe bananas pack more natural sugars and create a deeper flavor profile. Avoid overmixing the batter - stir just until ingredients combine. Adding a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar can elevate the bread's taste.
Why This Banana Bread Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
This classic banana bread recipe isn’t just a way to rescue those overripe bananas—it’s a delicious reason to look forward to breakfast. With its perfectly moist texture and rich banana flavor, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or packing it for an on-the-go snack, this banana bread proves that homemade is always better than store-bought.
If you’re in the mood for more irresistible breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Sliders Recipe—the ultimate savory companion to this sweet treat. Or, if you’re planning a cozy weekend bake-off, you might also love our Easy Lemonade Scones Recipe for a delightful citrus twist.
So next time those bananas start to spot, don’t let them go to waste—transform them into something truly special. Bake a loaf, share a slice, and don’t forget to leave a comment to tell us how it turned out. Your mornings just got a whole lot sweeter!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Banana Bread Recipe:
Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x5 inch loaf pan For baking
- 2-3 Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredients
- 1 Fork or potato masher For mashing bananas
- 1 Whisk or wooden spoon For mixing
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements
- 1 Wire rack For cooling the bread
- Optional Parchment paper For easy removal from the pan
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas with brown spots for extra sweetness
- ⅓ cup melted butter unsalted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl.
- Stir in melted butter.
- Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes in pan.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Marian says
Can the recipe be doubled?
Elizabeth says
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use two 9×5″ loaf pans (or one large baking pan) and expect the bake time to go up a bit usually around 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I recommend checking at the usual 50-minute mark and then baking until done. Happy baking! 🍌🍞
Marian says
Thank you! This is so delicious and now my go to banana bread.
Elizabeth says
That’s so lovely to hear, Marian! I’m thrilled it’s become your go to; nothing beats a cozy slice of banana bread! 🍌💛 Thank you for the kind words!
Laura King says
Can I make muffins from this recipe??
Elizabeth says
Yes! you absolutely can make muffins using that banana bread recipe! Even though it’s written as a loaf, it’s a simple adaptation to turn it into muffins 🍌🧁