Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. This easy banana bread recipe uses ripe bananas, which are key to giving the bread its natural sweetness and moist texture. The recipe is quick to put together, making it a great option for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Plus, it’s versatile – feel free to add in nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. It’s a perfect way to use up those overripe bananas on your counter!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• ⅓ cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8-inch loaf pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.

3. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

4. Mix in the baking soda and salt.

5. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

6. Stir in the flour until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

8. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10 slices

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Bake time: 60-65 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can customize your banana bread by adding chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or dried fruit.

• Vegan version: Swap the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this banana bread.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: To reheat banana bread, simply slice and warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?

Yes, frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Just thaw them before mashing and proceed with the recipe as usual.

2. How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your banana bread is done.

3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. It will add a slightly deeper flavor to the bread.

4. Can I make banana bread without an egg?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute like a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce in place of the egg.

5. What should I do if my banana bread is too moist inside?

Ensure that your oven is preheated properly and bake the banana bread for the full recommended time. If it's still too moist, you can bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

6. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour will not work as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe. If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the banana bread?

Absolutely! Fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a sweet touch.

8. How do I prevent my banana bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease the loaf pan generously with butter or use parchment paper to line it. This will help prevent sticking.

9. Can I make mini banana bread loaves?

Yes, you can use smaller loaf pans and reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid overbaking.

10. Can I use less sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that it may affect the sweetness and texture of the bread.

Conclusion

This easy banana bread recipe is a delicious, no-fuss treat that's perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can enjoy a freshly baked loaf in no time. Whether you like it plain or with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire!