Get ready to fall in love with the most incredible, fuss-free, and Easy Banana Bread Recipe you’ll ever bake. This is the recipe I turn to time and time again when those bananas on the counter turn from yellow to beautifully speckled brown. It’s a classic for a reason: it’s incredibly simple to make, fills your home with the most comforting aroma, and delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf every single time. Forget complicated steps or fancy ingredients; this recipe is all about pure, delicious, homemade goodness.
We’re using simple pantry staples to create a loaf that’s tender, sweet, and packed with real banana flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve a flawless banana bread that will have your family and friends asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Bread Recipe
There are countless banana bread recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. It’s been tested and perfected to ensure it’s not just easy, but reliably delicious.
- Incredibly Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and just the right amount of fat ensures a tender, moist crumb that never disappoints.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now. No need for a special trip to the store!
- Quick to Prepare: You can have this bread mixed and in the oven in about 10 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for a sudden baking craving.
- Perfectly Sweet: It has the perfect balance of sweetness to let the natural flavor of the bananas shine through.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this easy banana bread recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Overripe Bananas: This is the most crucial ingredient! The darker and more speckled the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our bread. Make sure to measure it correctly for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and incredible flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and helps the bread rise.
- Baking Soda: Our leavening agent that gives the bread its beautiful lift.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
For a sweet treat that’s just as simple, you might also love this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Loaf
Making this simple banana bread is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these steps for a perfect result.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent it from falling apart. Slice and serve warm!
Pro Tips for the Moistest Banana Bread
Want to guarantee your easy banana bread recipe turns out perfectly moist every time? Follow these expert tips.
- Use VERY Ripe Bananas: I can’t stress this enough. Black, mushy bananas are your best friend for banana bread. They are sweeter and provide more moisture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Don’t scoop the flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup. This compacts it, leading to a dry loaf. Instead, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife.
- Do Not Overmix: This is the most common mistake in quick bread baking. Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. A lumpy batter makes for a tender bread.
- Check for Doneness Properly: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Fun Variations to Try
While this simple banana bread is delicious on its own, it’s also a fantastic base for creativity. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. For another nutty favorite, try our Maple Pecan Granola Recipe.
- Cinnamon Spice Banana Bread: Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
How to Store Banana Bread
Proper storage is key to keeping your banana bread fresh and moist.
- At Room Temperature: To store, allow the loaf to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
If you enjoy easy crockpot meals, you should definitely check out this Crockpot Whole Chicken recipe for a simple dinner idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Thaw the frozen bananas completely at room temperature, then drain off any excess liquid before mashing them. This will ensure the batter has the right consistency.
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days.
The secret to moist banana bread is using very overripe bananas—the darker, the better! Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
A dense or tough texture is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewy, dense bread instead of a tender one. Fold the ingredients gently until just combined.
Our Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Easy Banana Bread Recipe That's Perfectly Moist Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations: Feel free to add 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the batter.
Share Your Baking Success!
I hope you love this Easy Banana Bread Recipe as much as I do! It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. If you try it, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below with your results or share a photo of your beautiful loaf on Pinterest! Your feedback helps other home cooks and inspires new creations in the Hearth Recipe kitchen.
