If you’re looking for that perfect comforting treat, this Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with natural banana sweetness, all wrapped up in a golden, cinnamon-spiced crust. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out, making it a timeless favorite perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Banana Bread Recipe is delightfully simple, thanks to its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the mashed bananas that provide moisture and flavor, to the cinnamon that adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- Mashed bananas (1⅓ cups): Use ripe bananas for the most sweetness and moisture in your bread.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): This forms the base and structure of the bread.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Softened butter lends richness and a tender crumb; you can also opt for vegetable oil for a lighter touch.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the ingredients and give the bread structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and adds a lovely aromatic finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to ensure your banana bread releases easily after baking. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash about four small ripe bananas with a fork until you reach about 1⅓ cups. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be – so don’t shy away from those brown-speckled beauties!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Doing this separately ensures everything is evenly distributed and avoids clumps, which means your banana bread will have the perfect crumb.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light – about 2 minutes. This process is key to a tender banana bread crumb.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas. This step infuses your batter with moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Now, fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir gently and just enough to combine – overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so keep it light and easy at this stage.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s time! Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting keeps the bread moist and helps it slice beautifully.
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your banana bread experience, consider topping warm slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. For a more indulgent touch, a smear of cream cheese or nut butter adds richness and a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
Banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For breakfast, serve it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to balance the sweetness with fresh and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your banana bread and layering it with Nutella and sliced strawberries for a quick dessert sandwich. Another fun idea is to toast slices and top them with mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sophisticated twist that still feels homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover banana bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains moisture so each slice stays soft.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before storing in the freezer. It will keep fresh for up to three months, making it a great option to bake ahead and enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly. Adding a touch of butter before reheating enhances the moist texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because their high sugar content makes the bread extra sweet and moist.
What if I don’t have butter? Can I use oil instead?
Yes, vegetable oil can be substituted for butter for a slightly different but still delicious moist texture. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a popular variation that adds great texture and flavor.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs or clean, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to keep it tender.
Is this Banana Bread Recipe good for freezing?
Yes! It freezes very well. Just slice it beforehand for easy portioning and wrap tightly to preserve freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking banana bread from scratch, and this Banana Bread Recipe brings out all that magic with simple ingredients and easy steps. It’s perfect for sharing, celebrating everyday moments, or simply treating yourself. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Made with ripe mashed bananas, warm cinnamon, and a balanced blend of sugars and butter, the bread is tender with a subtle sweetness and delightful aroma. Easy to prepare and bake, it produces 12 servings of delicious homemade banana bread that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups mashed bananas (about 4 small bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) or vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: Using a fork, mash the bananas until you have about 1⅓ cups of mashed bananas with a few small lumps remaining.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate medium bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bread tender.
- You can substitute vegetable oil for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Check for doneness starting at 45 minutes as baking times can vary based on oven and pan size.
- Allow the bread to cool fully for best slicing results and to enhance flavor.
