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
3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-Ins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Variations for Flavor
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.
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.
Gluten-free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, adjusting liquid as needed.
Essential Baking Tools
1 standard loaf pan (9x5 inches)
Mixing bowls (1 large and 1 medium)
Whisk and spatula for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving some lumps for texture.
Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir well.
Sprinkle in baking soda and salt, then mix again.
Add both sugars, and stir until fully combined.
Mix in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
Slowly incorporate the flour, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to ensure a tender loaf.
If using any add-ins (e.g., nuts, chocolate chips), fold them in gently.
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more moist loaf, add an extra mashed banana.
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