Nothing fills the kitchen with warmth quite like a loaf of homemade banana bread fresh from the oven This recipe delivers a moist flavorful treat that is equally perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack Whether your bananas are spotty and sweet or you simply crave a nostalgic bake this banana bread is ready to shine
Often I make this banana bread when I spot bananas going brown on the counter The first time I brought it to a school potluck every single slice disappeared before I could even grab seconds
Ingredients
- Very ripe bananas: lend moisture and deep sweetness The darker the peel the better
- All purpose flour: gives structure and softness For best texture sift before measuring
- Brown sugar: adds rich caramel notes and keeps the bread tender Choose dark brown sugar for extra depth
- Melted unsalted butter: provides a delicious base and lush crumb Use high quality butter for flavor
- Eggs: bind everything together and add a light lift Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly
- Vanilla extract: brings warmth and balance Pure extract is worth the splurge
- Baking soda: ensures a gentle rise and a soft airy loaf Check freshness for best results
- Salt: sharpens flavor and highlights the sweet banana notes Use fine grain sea salt for an even blend
- Walnuts or pecans (optional): for crunch and heartiness Choose fresh nuts and toast lightly to bring out flavor
- Cinnamon (optional): for warm spice Try Saigon cinnamon if available for its sweet intensity
Instructions
- Mash the Bananas:
- Peel ripe bananas and mash thoroughly in a large bowl with a sturdy fork or potato masher Aim for a mostly smooth texture with small lumps remaining This ensures even moisture throughout the bread
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until fully combined Whisk in brown sugar eggs and vanilla mix until the batter is glossy and evenly blended well combined wet ingredients create a soft crumb
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl sift together all purpose flour baking soda salt and cinnamon if using Gently stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until few streaks of flour remain Moisture is key so avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf
- Fold in Nuts or Chips:
- Add chopped walnuts pecans or chocolate chips if desired Fold gently using a spatula so they are evenly distributed without deflating the batter
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a loaf pan well with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal Spoon the batter into the pan and smooth the top Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 175°C or 350°F Bake for fifty to sixty minutes until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean Start checking after fifty minutes Cool in the pan for fifteen minutes then turn out onto a rack
Save My favorite part is how my kitchen smells as this bakes Banana bread always reminds me of childhood weekends with my mom letting us swirl in extra cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips for good measure Watching my daughter swirl in her favorite toppings now brings those memories right back
Storage Tips
Once baked allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing To keep it moist wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature It stays fresh for up to four days For longer storage slice the bread and freeze slices between sheets of parchment They reheat beautifully in a toaster or low oven
Ingredient Substitutions
No brown sugar Use coconut sugar or granulated sugar with a splash of maple syrup To make the bread dairy free swap butter for melted coconut oil or a quality vegan butter Want a gluten free version opt for a cup for cup gluten free flour blend
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread is lovely served plain with your morning coffee or tea For an indulgent touch add a swipe of salted butter or a drizzle of honey Toast slices in the oven and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or nut butter for breakfast You can even turn day old bread into French toast for a special weekend treat
Save Enjoy a warm slice of this banana bread with your favorite drink and make any day feel special Leftovers are perfect for a sweet breakfast or an after school treat
Cooking Questions
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots offer the best flavor and sweetness for banana bread.
- → Can I add nuts or chocolate?
Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips add delicious texture and richness to the loaf.
- → What flour works best for banana bread?
All-purpose flour is ideal for a soft crumb, but you can use whole wheat for a denser texture.
- → How can I keep banana bread moist?
Do not overmix the batter and store cooled bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and oil or margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version.