Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Banana bread makes the kitchen smell like heaven!

This is grandma’s secret weapon for using up spotty bananas everyone forgets about.

After trying this moist, perfectly sweet loaf, store-bought versions will never compare.

The best part? Most people already have all the ingredients in their pantry.

Would readers like to know what makes this recipe special and how to customize it for their family’s taste buds?

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Having the right kitchen tools on hand makes baking banana bread a breeze. These essentials will help you mix, measure and bake with confidence so your homemade banana bread turns out perfectly every time.

Loaf Pan
Essential for baking banana bread with the classic rectangular shape and even heat distribution.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least one good bowl for combining all your ingredients comfortably.
Measuring Cups
Accurate measurements are key for getting the right ratios of flour, sugar and butter.
Measuring Spoons
Perfect for smaller ingredients like vanilla extract, baking soda and salt.
Potato Masher
Makes quick work of mashing those ripe bananas to the perfect consistency.
Rubber Spatula
Great for folding in flour and scraping every bit of batter into your pan.
Cooling Rack
Allows your banana bread to cool evenly for the best texture when slicing.

Instructions

Ready to transform those spotty bananas into something magical? Let’s dive into making this super easy banana bread that’ll have your kitchen smelling like heaven!

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—a properly heated oven makes all the difference!
Grab 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!) and mash them up in a mixing bowl. The mushier they are, the sweeter your bread will be!
Pour in 1/3 cup of melted butter and mix it with your banana mush. This combination creates that moist texture we all crave!
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir—these ingredients might seem small, but they’re mighty important!
Time to sweeten things up! Add 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and happy.
Now for the flour—gently fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are actually your friends here.
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan. Give the pan a little tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing in no time!
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let your bread cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but your patience will be rewarded with perfect slices!

Want to jazz it up? Toss in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking. You’re the boss of your banana bread!

Pro Tips

For a perfectly moist banana bread with enhanced flavor, freeze your overripe bananas when they reach that spotty black stage, then thaw them completely before using in your recipe.

The freezing process breaks down the cell walls in the fruit, creating an even sweeter, more intense banana flavor while releasing extra moisture that results in an exceptionally tender crumb.

Substitutions & Variations

While the classic banana bread recipe is delicious on its own, experimenting with different ingredients can transform this beloved treat into something new and exciting without losing its comforting essence.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain proper texture.
Nutty Additions: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds before baking for added crunch and nutrition.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Mix in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks to create a decadent chocolate banana bread experience.
Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for a warming flavor profile perfect for fall.
Healthier Option: Replace butter with the same amount of unsweetened applesauce and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup for a lighter version.
Tropical Twist: Include 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/4 cup of diced dried pineapple to transform your banana bread into a tropical treat.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed that first delicious slice of banana bread (and maybe a second!), you’ll need to know how to keep the rest fresh.

I store mine at room temperature for 3-4 days, wrapped tightly in plastic or in an airtight container.

Pop it in the fridge to extend its life to a week, or freeze slices for up to three months!