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Classic Banana Bread Recipe

4.8 from 117 reviews

This classic Banana Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with ripe bananas, melted butter, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a comforting snack, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden-brown perfection with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 medium (7″ to 7-7/8″ long) very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup (76g) butter, unsalted or salted, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3/4 cup (150g) sugar (1/2 cup if you would like it less sweet, 1 cup if more sweet)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the banana bread.
  2. Prepare the bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the peeled ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the banana mixture, then mix in the sugar. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  5. Pour batter into pan: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the batter into it, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Adjust sugar quantity based on desired sweetness: use 1/2 cup sugar for less sweet, or up to 1 cup for sweeter bread.
  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
  • If desired, add nuts like walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.
  • Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: banana bread, quick bread, baking, ripe bananas, homemade bread, easy banana bread