Best Banana Bread Recipe

This Best Banana Bread Recipe is the ultimate way to use up overripe bananas and create a moist, tender loaf that’s packed with rich banana flavor. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this banana bread always comes out perfectly soft and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and foolproof this banana bread is—it never fails me. It uses pantry staples, takes just a few minutes to mix, and bakes into a soft, golden loaf with a lovely crumb. The flavor gets better as it sits, and I can easily add extras like chocolate chips or nuts. It’s the kind of comforting, homemade treat I keep coming back to, especially when I’ve got bananas sitting on the counter.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ripe bananas (the browner, the better)
granulated sugar or brown sugar
eggs
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
butter (melted or softened)
vanilla extract
optional add-ins: chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or cinnamon

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.

3. I add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. I gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

6. If I’m adding nuts or chocolate chips, I stir them in at this point.

7. I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

8. I bake for about 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. I let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one standard loaf, yielding about 10 slices. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, so I usually have it ready to enjoy in just over an hour.

Variations

I love changing things up by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note. I’ve also used mini chocolate chips or swirled in a bit of peanut butter before baking. When I want a slightly healthier version, I replace half the flour with whole wheat flour or use coconut oil instead of butter.

storage/reheating

Once the banana bread cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When I reheat a slice, I like to warm it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, I often use thawed frozen bananas. I make sure to drain excess liquid after thawing and mash them well before using.

Why is my banana bread dry?

That usually happens if I overbake it or use too much flour. I always spoon and level the flour to avoid packing it.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely. I spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes until golden and set.

How ripe should the bananas be?

I use bananas with lots of brown spots—they should be soft and sweet for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used melted coconut oil or plant-based butter and had great results. I also use almond or oat milk if needed.

Conclusion

This Best Banana Bread Recipe is the perfect go-to for transforming overripe bananas into something special. I love how versatile, reliable, and delicious it is, whether I’m enjoying it plain, toasted, or loaded with mix-ins. It’s the kind of homemade comfort that never goes out of style.

Best Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This Best Banana Bread Recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, tender loaf with rich banana flavor. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

---

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted or softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
3. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in any optional add-ins if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

Notes

• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice variation.
• Use mini chocolate chips or swirl in peanut butter for extra flavor.
• Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
• Use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg