Description
This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a moist, flavorful classic that’s simple to make and perfect for using ripe bananas. With a tender crumb, a hint of cinnamon, and the option to add walnuts or chocolate chips, this banana bread is a delicious treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Batter
- 3–4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup salted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly, then stir in the melted butter. Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well using a large wooden spoon until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir gently to incorporate these ingredients.
- Incorporate Flour and Mix-ins: Add the all-purpose flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears and no streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 10 thick pieces. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
- Walnuts can be replaced with chocolate chips or omitted for nut-free preferences.
- Storage: Keep the banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze banana bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, banana walnut bread, quick bread
