Easy Banana Bread Recipe

I don’t know about you but I know there are certain things I just grew up having. Enchiladas were one of them ( every Saturday my mom would cook them from scratch) Turkey and ham at Thanksgiving, and usually some type of chicken for dinner on weeknights. As I started to raise my own family I knew there would carry that same traditions into my own home. So somewhere along the way, banana bread became one of our things, just like my mom had her things. To me, there’s nothing like a warm piece to keep you happy in between lunch and dinner. 

It’s also the perfect little breakfast item to have along with a glass of your favorite iced coffee. 

Here’s my favorite banana bread recipe adapted from one of my favorite cookbooks! A must if you love collecting cookbooks like I do! You learn the basic recipe and then you adapt it to fit your taste buds and family! 

If you love bananas you might also enjoy our banana cake, the BEST Banana Pudding ( made with moon pies) or an easier version.

How to Make The Best Simple Banana Bread Recipe

Banana Bread Ingredients:

1 stick salted butter, soften or melted
1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1-2 tablespoon granulated sugar

Step By Step Banana Bread Recipe Instructions (with pictures)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick baking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Using a stand mixer, beat together the bananas, butter, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon and vanilla with the paddle attachment until well blended.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Don’t over beat!
4. Pour the batter into the 8×8 pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. Slice and serve warm with butter.

Below, are several creative takes on the traditional recipe, followed by answers to common questions and tips for storing your banana bread to ensure every slice is as good as the first! Oh and PLEASE dont’ forget to give your bread a slice of butter to top it off!! I love Kerrygold butter!!

My Favorite Banana Bread Variations

1. Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to your batter if you love chocolate!! For an extra chocolatey experience, use a mix of milk, dark, and white chocolate chips.

2. Nutty Banana Bread

Stir in 1 cup of your favorite chopped nuts (walnuts and pecans work great) into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.

3. Blueberry Lemon Banana Bread

Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest of 1 lemon into your batter for a fruity and slightly tangy version. This variation is especially refreshing during the spring and summer months.

4. Vegan Banana Bread

Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil. This makes for a delightful vegan treat that everyone can enjoy.

5. Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to cater to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Make sure to check that your baking powder and other add-ins are also gluten-free.

6. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Incorporate 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into your batter for a fall-inspired loaf. Reduce the banana quantity slightly to accommodate the pumpkin.

Common Questions About Banana Bread

Can overripe bananas be too overripe for banana bread?

Bananas that are very dark and soft are perfect as they’re sweeter and mash easily. However, if they have mold or an off smell, throw those bad boys away friend!

Why did my banana bread not rise?

Common reasons include expired leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda, check those dates!), over-mixing the batter (which can develop the gluten too much and inhibit rising), or opening the oven door too early, causing a sudden temperature drop. I’ve done this before haha! I just get so anxious but it’s worth the wait.

Can banana bread be made in a cake pan?

Yes, it can be baked in a cake pan. Adjust the baking time since it may bake more quickly due to the shallower pan depth. I actually prefer a 8×8 pan because I think it cooks more evenly with more dense recipes like this!

Best Way to Store Banana Bread

Room Temperature

Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Stored away it can last for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

Refrigerator

While refrigeration can dry out baked goods, you can store banana bread in the fridge to extend its life to about a week. Wrap it tightly to prevent it from absorbing other flavors and drying out.

Freezer

Banana bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven or microwave.