Craving a truly comforting treat? Our banana bread recipe delivers big on flavor and simplicity.
Table of Contents
This classic homemade delight is incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike.Transform those overly ripe bananas into a deliciously moist loaf everyone will adore. Get ready to bake a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
Our easy banana bread recipe consistently bakes up perfectly, making it a go-to for many.
- Super moist texture guaranteed. Every slice is tender and incredibly flavorful.
- Incredibly easy to prepare. Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
- Customizable with add-ins. Easily tailor it with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips.
- Uses common pantry staples. You likely already have everything you need on hand.
- A true family favorite. This delightful treat disappears quickly from the counter.
Ingredients
Making a delicious banana bread recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need for this simple, satisfying loaf:
- 3 very ripe bananas, (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
Notes & Substitutions
Very ripe bananas are key for the best sweetness and moisture; look for dark spots! As explained by King Arthur Baking, ripe bananas contribute significant sweetness and moisture to baked goods. You can swap walnuts and raisins for other favorites like chocolate chips, pecans, or dried cranberries. For a healthier twist, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, incorporate some whole wheat flour, or add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Always use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment makes baking smooth and enjoyable. You need a few basic tools to prepare this banana bread recipe:
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inch loaf pan
- Whisk or spatula
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Banana Bread (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making this delicious banana bread recipe is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf every time.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inch bread loaf pan.
- Roast Walnuts (Optional): If using, lightly roast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. This enhances their flavor. Remove them from the skillet, chop coarsely, and let them cool to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until they reach a chunky applesauce consistency. Add the mashed bananas and the lightly beaten eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure these ingredients are well distributed.
- Gradually Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, mixing until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough loaf.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, and raisins using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the homemade banana bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Elevate your banana bread recipe with these simple pro tips. Use very ripe bananas, showing plenty of brown spots, for maximum sweetness and moisture. Resist the urge to overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep your bread tender. Always ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, emulsified batter. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
How to Ripen Bananas
Need ripe bananas fast for your moist banana bread recipe? You have options! To quick-ripen, place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until skins are black and shiny. For a slightly slower method, place unripe bananas in a paper bag with an apple or avocado for 1-2 days; the ethylene gas helps them ripen.
Troubleshooting Common Banana Bread Issues
Sometimes baking has challenges, but we have solutions! If your bread is dry, you likely overmixed the batter or baked it too long. A sunken middle often means underbaking or too much leavening. For uneven baking, rotate the pan halfway through the bake time and ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread recipe in many delicious ways!
Serving Suggestions
Serve a warm slice with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. You can also enjoy it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover banana bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. The Home Baking Association provides guidelines for safe handling and storage of baked goods to ensure quality and prevent foodborne illness.
Variations
Customize your banana bread recipe easily. Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or butterscotch chips for extra indulgence. Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice. You can also try different nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts, or other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
Nutrition Information
This banana bread recipe provides a satisfying treat. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This table offers an estimate per serving, assuming 12 servings per loaf.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 57 mg |
| Sodium | 243 mg |
| Potassium | 270 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 354 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 26 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best bananas for banana bread?
Always use very ripe bananas, those with brown or black spots, for the sweetest and most flavorful banana bread recipe. Their sugar content is highest and they mash easily.
How long does homemade banana bread last?
Homemade banana bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to a week.
Can I make banana bread without nuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t like nuts or have allergies, simply omit the walnuts from this banana bread recipe. The bread will still be incredibly delicious.
Conclusion
This ultimate banana bread recipe proves that simple ingredients create the most comforting results. It’s incredibly moist, easy to follow, and guarantees a delicious outcome every time. Perfect for busy parents and new bakers, this recipe transforms ripe bananas into a delightful treat. We encourage you to try it today and share your delicious creations with Sweet Emily!
The Ultimate Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Fork
- Skillet
- Bread loaf pan
- Wire rack
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 bananas very ripe, medium/large
- ½ cup unsalted butter 8 Tbsp, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan. Lightly roast and chop walnuts, then cool them.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mash bananas and add them to the batter with eggs, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet batter.
- Stir in vanilla extract, walnuts, and raisins. Pour into the loaf pan and bake at 350˚F for 55-60 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.