Written by: Kathy Moulding

Banana Bread on a cutting and one slice has a pad of butter on it.

Banana bread is the ultimate comfort food, and this easy recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Our favorite banana bread recipe uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

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What you will Love about this Recipe!

Quick and Simple – Whip it up in minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
Moist and Flavorful – The bananas add natural sweetness and a soft texture.
Versatile – Enjoy it plain, or add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for variety.
Perfect for Overripe Bananas – No more wasting those spotty bananas!
Freezer Friendly – Make a double batch and freeze one for later.

What You’ll Need

Banana
Eggs
Sugar
Vanilla
Butter
Flour
Baking Soda
Cinnamon

Ingredients Needed to Make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe!

Ingredients:

3 ripe yellow bananas (mashed)
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup sugar (granulated or cane)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Whisk, electric hand mixer or stand mixer
9×5-inch loaf pan, bread pan, mini loaf pans, or muffin tin
Measuring cups and spoons

Pro Tip:

Combine ingredients using an electric mixer or a stand mixer on medium to high speed. Do not overmix the banana bread batter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make This Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan, mini loaf pans, muffin tin, or line with parchment paper or muffin liners.
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Additions (Optional): Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Bake:
- For a full loaf, Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
- For mini loaves: Divide the batter evenly between mini loaf pans, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For easy banana muffins: Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes.
- To check for doneness, complete the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf or muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake for 5 minutes and test again.
Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread or muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing or serving.

Pro Tip:

When baking a whole loaf, cover the loaf pan with an aluminum foil tent or invert another loaf pan on top. Remove after 30 minutes of baking time. This prevents the top of the homemade banana bread from getting too dark.

Storaging Banana Bread or Muffins

At Room Temperature: Wrap banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tip: Put a piece of paper towel in the bottom of an airtight container
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer a longer shelf life.
Freezing: Wrap the entire loaf, mini loaves, or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
For Muffins: Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Additions to the Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Additions to your banana bread batter can totally transform the taste.

Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Sweeten things up with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Swirls: Swirl in peanut butter or Nutella for a marbled effect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing..

2. How do I store banana bread?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make banana nut muffins with this batter?

Yes, fold finely chopped nuts into the batter. Fill prepared muffin tins 3/4 full with batter and bake for 18-22 minutes.

4. Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Mix until just combined.

5. Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes

This easy banana bread recipe is sure to become a household favorite. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Enjoy a warm slice with butter or your favorite spread!

Special Tools (affiliate links): Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

If you try this recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram and Facebook @grindinggearsfarmstead.

Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)