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Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s simple to prepare and can be enhanced with walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 34 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
  • 1/3 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix them with the melted butter. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, then stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Add Dry Leavening and Spices: Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Gently mix to incorporate without overmixing.
  4. Fold in Flour and Add-ins: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and optional walnuts or chocolate chips until the batter is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense banana bread.
  • Substitute walnuts with other nuts or omit entirely for nut-free bread.
  • Check doneness early if using a convection oven as baking times may vary.
  • Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, quick bread, banana recipe, baking banana bread, homemade banana bread, walnut banana bread, chocolate chip banana bread