Banana Bread

Few things bring more joy than a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. Soft, moist, and perfectly sweet, it’s the ultimate comfort food — whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. This simple recipe transforms a few humble ingredients into something truly special.

Fun fact: Banana bread became popular during the Great Depression when resourceful home cooks found ways to use overripe bananas instead of tossing them. Since then, it’s remained a beloved classic — easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious.

If you’re a fan of cozy homemade treats like chocolate chip cookies or blueberry muffins, you’re going to adore this banana bread recipe. So grab those spotty bananas, and let’s bake something amazing!

 What Is Banana Bread?

Despite its name, banana bread walks the line between bread and cake. It’s baked like bread but tastes like a soft, rich cake — thanks to mashed ripe bananas that add moisture and sweetness.

Why “bread”? Because it’s made using the quick bread method — no yeast, no kneading, and no waiting for it to rise. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

And here’s the best part — you can make it your own. Add chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon for a flavor that’s uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

This recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of homey charm. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

• Incredibly moist and flavorful – Thanks to ripe bananas and melted butter.

• Quick and easy – Ready to mix in just 15 minutes!

• Budget-friendly – Perfect way to use up those overripe bananas.

• Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate, or spices to suit your taste.

Just like our crispy baked chicken or homemade muffins, this banana bread is bound to become a family favorite.

 How to Make Banana Bread

Quick Overview

This one-bowl banana bread recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to bake. The result? A tender, aromatic loaf that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of comfort.

 Key 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 cup all-purpose flour

• (Optional) ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mash Bananas – In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

3. Add Baking Soda & Salt – Mix in baking soda and salt to help your bread rise.

4. Add Sugar, Egg & Vanilla – Stir until well combined.

5. Fold in the Flour – Add flour gradually, mixing gently. Don’t overmix!

6. Add Optional Mix-ins – Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

7. Pour & Bake – Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool & Slice – Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when completely cooled.

What to Serve Banana Bread With

Banana bread shines on its own, but you can easily elevate it with:

• A pat of butter or drizzle of honey

• A side of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit

• A cozy cup of coffee or hot tea

For dessert, try topping it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

• Use overripe bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter the bread.

• Don’t overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears for a tender crumb.

• Use room-temperature ingredients – Helps the batter blend evenly.

• Experiment with flavors – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, peanut butter, or coconut for fun twists.

 Storing & Reheating

• Room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or foil; lasts up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Slice and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• To reheat: Microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven.

 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, homemade banana bread never fails to deliver comfort and joy. It’s sweet, simple, and endlessly adaptable — a true kitchen classic.

So go ahead — mash those bananas, preheat your oven, and enjoy a slice of happiness fresh from your own kitchen.

Banana Bread

A soft, moist, and flavorful banana bread recipe that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed Use overripe bananas for best flavor.
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bread rise.
• pinch salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips Optional mix-ins for added texture.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
3. Mix in the baking soda and salt.
4. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gently add the flour to the mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. If using, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Remove from oven, allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.