Description
Transform overripe bananas into a warm, fragrant banana loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. This easy banana bread recipe can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or even coconut for a twist on the classic.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-Ins
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup shredded coconut
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1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Variations for Flavor
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Vegan alternative: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil or applesauce in place of butter.
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Nutella or peanut butter swirl: Add a layer of Nutella or peanut butter in the center of the batter before baking for a creamy surprise.
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Gluten-free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, adjusting liquid as needed.
Essential Baking Tools
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1 standard loaf pan (9x5 inches)
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Mixing bowls (1 large and 1 medium)
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Whisk and spatula for mixing
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving some lumps for texture.
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Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir well.
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Sprinkle in baking soda and salt, then mix again.
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Add both sugars, and stir until fully combined.
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Mix in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
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Slowly incorporate the flour, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to ensure a tender loaf.
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If using any add-ins (e.g., nuts, chocolate chips), fold them in gently.
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Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing it out with a spatula.
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Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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For a more moist loaf, add an extra mashed banana.
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Let the banana bread cool fully before slicing to achieve the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: easy banana bread, banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana loaf