Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with baking all over again, this Banana Bread Recipe is about to win your heart. There’s nothing quite like a thick, soft slice of homemade banana bread—moist, tender, packed with sweet banana flavor, and kissed with just enough golden crust. This is the go-to loaf for using up ripe bananas, without any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s our most-requested recipe for breakfast, snacks, and cozy treats with coffee!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Banana Bread Recipe is how these simple staples team up for the best flavor and texture each time. Every ingredient plays an important role, from creating a delicate crumb to adding just the right touch of richness and color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why!

• All purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for a tender, fluffy bread; it holds everything together for perfect slices every time.
• Baking soda: Lifts the loaf high and ensures it bakes up light and airy—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances every flavor and keeps this banana bread from tasting flat.
• Ripe bananas (mashed): Overripe bananas make this recipe sweet, moist, and full of unmistakable banana flavor. You want plenty of brown spots on that peel!
• Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps brown the crust beautifully—feel free to swap in some brown sugar for more caramel notes.
• Eggs: They provide structure and extra richness, making each slice beautifully soft.
• Unsalted butter (melted & cooled): Gives the loaf its satisfying, buttery finish and keeps each bite from feeling dry.
• Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt): The secret to ultra-moist, tender crumbs; also adds just a hint of tang.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors, adding warmth and a bakery-style aroma you’ll love.

How to Make Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Loaf Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan (or 9 x 5 inch if that’s what you have) and give it a good coating of nonstick cooking spray or butter, getting into all the corners. For a little extra sweetness, you can dust the greased pan with sugar or a combo of sugar and cinnamon. Set it aside for later—your batter will be ready in minutes!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavener and salt are evenly distributed, so your loaf rises beautifully and tastes balanced. If you’re pressed for time, you can add all these dry ingredients straight into the wet later, but a quick mix now makes things more foolproof.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripest bananas and mash them in a large bowl using a fork, potato masher, or even a hand mixer. It’s totally fine if a few small chunks remain—those little pockets of banana bake into sweet bursts in your finished bread. Aim for about 1 1/4 cups of mashed banana (but anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 cups works).

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

To your mashed bananas, add the sugar, eggs, melted and cooled butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined. You’ll already catch that dreamy banana bread aroma rising from the bowl!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold your flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain—over-mixing is the enemy of a tender crumb! The batter will be thick and luscious, promising a moist loaf.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Place in the center of your oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If it’s browning too quickly, just tent with foil for the last 10 minutes to keep it perfect.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the banana bread cool in its loaf pan on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes—this helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Invert the pan, carefully lift out the loaf, and let it cool completely on the rack for at least an hour before slicing. This patience pays off in neat, moist slices that stay delicate all the way through.

How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A warm, thick slice barely needs more than a pat of salty butter, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for breakfast bliss. For a true coffeehouse touch, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Banana bread makes a wonderful companion to your morning coffee or tea, but it’s also great with a scoop of vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced snack. For brunches, pair it with a crisp fruit salad or airy scrambled eggs for a not-too-sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Banana Bread Recipe into an irresistible dessert by toasting slices and serving them with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce. Or turn leftovers into delicious French toast for a weekend breakfast that will truly wow. Mini loaves or muffins also make charming homemade gifts—just wrap with a ribbon and a note!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay perfectly tasty at room temperature for up to three days, and still be delicious for a couple of days after that in the fridge.

Freezing

This Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap in layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or tuck slices into zip-top bags. Label with the date—it will keep its flavor for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a quick breakfast or snack.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or microwave for 10 to 20 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth. For a crispy edge, try toasting a slice in a lightly buttered skillet. It’s the ultimate way to revive leftover banana bread for a cozy treat!

FAQs

How ripe should my bananas be for the best Banana Bread Recipe?

For the richest flavor and extra moistness, use bananas with lots of brown spots—they should smell sweet and mushy to the touch. The riper the better for this recipe!

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt works wonders, lending the same tang and moisture to the Banana Bread Recipe, so it’s a great swap if that’s what you have on hand.

What can I add to jazz up my banana bread?

Get creative with add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips. Gently fold about 1/2 to 3/4 cup into the batter for extra texture and flavor—just don’t overmix.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This often happens if the bread is underbaked or the oven was too hot. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and bake on the center rack for the most reliable results.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can cut back the sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer your banana bread less sweet. The bananas themselves will still provide plenty of natural sweetness!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a perfect Banana Bread Recipe from the oven—the aroma, the joy of sharing warm slices, and the memories that come with each bite. Give this recipe a try and discover for yourself why it’s become a beloved favorite at our table. Happy baking!

Print