Description
This Classic Homemade Banana Bread recipe delivers a moist, tender loaf packed with ripe bananas and optional mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Baking at 350°F ensures a golden crust and fluffy crumb every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Base
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (but not melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated or brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Mix-Ins
- 50 g chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard loaf pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth but still with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir well. Then mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Gradually sift in the flour and fold gently to combine all ingredients into a tender batter without overmixing.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, fold them gently into the batter to evenly distribute.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 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 about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the bread tender.
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Optional nuts or chocolate chips add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler bread.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
