The Best Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This classic banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Using ripe bananas, it produces a tender loaf perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (you can use bleached)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (or 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium-sized bowl, place the mashed bananas and stir in the melted butter.
2. Step 2: Mix in the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan and bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1 cup or use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moisture.

Storage

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped in foil and a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm slices briefly in the toaster or microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I prevent my banana bread from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake; check for doneness with a toothpick starting around 50 minutes. Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.

The Best Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Using ripe bananas for natural sweetness, melted butter for richness, and a simple blend of pantry staples, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The bread is baked to golden perfection, delivering a tender crumb and delightful aroma.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (can substitute with brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bleached flour can be used)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (or 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring until well mixed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients without overmixing.
4. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Place in the oven and bake for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer taste.
• If you do not have baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder can be used instead.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
• Let the bread cool completely to firm up and develop full flavor before slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, classic banana bread, moist banana bread, baked banana bread