The Ultimate Easy Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Simple & Foolproof
Is there anything better than the smell of a warm, homemade easy banana bread recipe wafting through your kitchen? This classic treat is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas, and our foolproof easy banana bread recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful loaf every single time. It’s the only easy banana bread recipe you’ll ever need, beloved by beginners and expert bakers alike.
Why This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a Keeper
- ✅ Incredibly Simple – No mixer or fancy equipment needed
- ✅ Uses Pantry Staples – You likely have everything already
- ✅ One-Bowl Method – Minimal cleanup required
- ✅ Perfectly Moist – Thanks to a secret ingredient
- ✅ Highly Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices
Ingredients for the Best Easy Banana Bread
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Optional Mix-ins (Choose One or More):
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
How to Make This Easy Banana Bread Recipe: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides. This makes removing the baked bread incredibly easy.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel the very ripe bananas and mash them well with a fork. You should have about 1 ½ cups of mashed banana. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your easy banana bread recipe will be.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon directly into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay! Do not overmix, as this is the secret to a tender crumb in your easy banana bread recipe.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins and Bake
If you’re using any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Easy Banana Bread Recipe
✅ Use BLACK Bananas: The best easy banana bread recipe starts with overripe, spotty, soft bananas. They are sweeter and have a more intense banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can ripen bananas quickly using methods from The Kitchn.
✅ Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
✅ Check for Doneness Properly: Ovens vary. Start checking at the 50-minute mark. The bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean, the top is golden brown, and the edges pull away from the pan.
✅ Let it Cool Completely: It’s tempting to eat it warm, but the easy banana bread recipe sets as it cools. Slicing it too early will result in a gummy texture.
Variations to Customize Your Loaf
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add ¾ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Healthy Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the brown sugar to ½ cup.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl 4 oz of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy banana bread recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The result will be just as moist and delicious.
How should I store banana bread?
Keep your cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cold will dry it out slightly, so bringing a slice to room temperature before eating is best.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! This easy banana bread recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually means it was under-baked, there was too much leavening (baking soda), or the oven door was opened too early. Ensure your baking soda is fresh and use an oven thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy.
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