Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Craving a moist, flavorful banana bread that’s simple to make? This easy banana bread recipe is my go-to when I have overripe bananas lying around. With a tender crumb, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a buttery flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients List
Banana Bread Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
2 ⅓ cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4–5 bananas)
Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice note
¼ cup chocolate chips for a sweet touch
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools makes baking banana bread a breeze. Here’s what I use every time:
Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients keeps things organized.
Fork or Potato Masher: Perfect for mashing the overripe bananas to a smooth consistency.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for a perfectly balanced banana bread.
Loaf Pan (9x5 inches): The classic shape for banana bread that bakes evenly.
Spatula: For folding the wet and dry ingredients together gently.
Oven Thermometer (optional): Helps maintain the perfect baking temperature.
Preparing the Banana Bread Batter
Mixing the Ingredients
I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing my loaf pan with butter or lining it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, I combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices. In a separate bowl, I mix the melted butter with the brown sugar, then stir in the beaten eggs and mashed bananas until smooth.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula. It’s important not to overmix here — just enough to combine everything. Overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender. If I’m adding nuts or chocolate chips, I fold them in at this stage.
Baking the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. I bake it in the preheated oven for about 60–70 minutes. I always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The smell of warm bananas and butter filling my kitchen is one of my favorite parts of baking this bread!
Cooling the Banana Bread
Once baked, I remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, I transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the bread holds together and slices beautifully without crumbling.
Serving and Decoration
Toppings and Serving Ideas
Banana bread is delicious on its own, but I love adding a little extra touch:
Butter or Cream Cheese Spread: Perfect for a breakfast treat.
Honey or Maple Drizzle: Adds sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
Nut Topping: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch.
I usually slice it thick and enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea — pure comfort!
Storage Instructions
Keeping Banana Bread Fresh
I store my banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful if kept away from direct sunlight.
Freezing Banana Bread
For longer storage, I slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When I want a slice, I simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.
Conclusion
Making banana bread from scratch is one of the easiest and most rewarding baking experiences. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, I can enjoy a moist, flavorful loaf any time I have ripe bananas on hand. Whether I serve it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this easy banana bread always hits the spot. Give it a try — you’ll love how easy it is to make and how irresistible it tastes!
