Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

Name: Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2025-12-31T15:01:18.646Z

This homemade banana bread is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter!

        Why You'll Love This Banana Bread
        Moist and flavorful with a hint of cinnamon
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

The Perfect Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a beloved treat for many. The unique combination of ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen while baking. This homemade banana bread is not just a quick fix; it’s a delightful way to use up overripe bananas and transform them into a deliciously comforting loaf.

What sets this banana bread apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a sweet, satisfying bread that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, each slice is sure to bring a smile. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to customize it to your liking.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once you've baked your banana bread, storing it properly is essential to maintain its moisture and flavor. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, consider placing it in an airtight container. Banana bread can be kept at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it even longer, freeze it! Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

When it comes to serving, banana bread is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast alongside your favorite morning beverage or served as a delightful snack throughout the day. For dessert, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling it with chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. You can also slice it into smaller pieces for sharing at gatherings, making it a fantastic addition to potlucks or brunches.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make delicious banana bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Incorporate Flour

Add the flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread!

Nutritional Benefits

Banana bread isn’t just delicious; it also offers several nutritional benefits. Ripe bananas are a rich source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining blood pressure. They provide a natural sweetness that allows you to reduce added sugar in your recipe, making your bread a bit healthier. Additionally, bananas contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer.

When you choose whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, you can increase the fiber content even more. This small switch can enhance the nutritional profile of your banana bread, making it a more wholesome choice. Moreover, the inclusion of eggs adds protein, further balancing the macronutrient content of the loaf.

Variations to Try

While the classic banana bread recipe is a favorite, there are countless variations to explore. For a nutty flavor and added crunch, consider incorporating walnuts or pecans into the batter. If you’re a chocolate lover, chocolate chips or cocoa powder can transform your banana bread into a decadent dessert. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut or pineapple for an exotic flavor profile.

Spices like nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor of your banana bread, giving it a unique touch. You could also experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, to create a different sweetness level. Each variation opens up new possibilities and ensures that your banana bread remains exciting and fresh every time you bake it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How should I store leftover banana bread?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

→ How can I tell if my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's done.