Name: Best Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 4 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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Why You’ll Love Best Banana Bread Recipe

This banana bread recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. It’s soft and flavorful, using basic pantry ingredients that come together in one bowl. The overripe bananas ensure natural sweetness and moisture, while optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts add a delightful twist. Whether served warm with butter or as a grab-and-go snack, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

Optional mix-ins:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per slice

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, dessert-style loaf.
Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Healthy Banana Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar to 3/4 cup.
Banana Muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Cinnamon Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.

Why is my banana bread dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can make it dry. Measure accurately and check for doneness early.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The best bananas are very ripe with brown spots on the peel — they’re sweeter and softer.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, you can add blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples for extra flavor.

What size loaf pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce it to 3/4 cup without affecting texture too much.

How do I keep banana bread moist?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Conclusion

This classic banana bread is soft, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to make. Whether you enjoy it plain, with nuts, or studded with chocolate chips, it’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of homemade baking. Serve it warm, share it with loved ones, and savor every bite.