Banana Bread
This classic Banana Bread recipe uses ripe bananas and simple pantry staples to create a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. Easy to make and adaptable with optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, it results in a tender, sweet bread with a cozy, homemade taste.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 70-80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour blend used) / Vegan option available
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil (such as coconut oil for vegan)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional spices: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
- Alternate spices: pumpkin pie spice or cardamom as preferred
- Prepare Your Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. Then, mix in melted butter or oil, sugar, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, salt, and any optional spices you wish to include to ensure uniform distribution.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine to keep the bread tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in any nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit now to personalize your banana bread to your taste.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into a greased or lined 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the crust and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas—brown spots or almost black—for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center before removing from oven.
- Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing for best results.
- Fold in add-ins gently to avoid breaking down the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Banana Bread, Moist Banana Bread, Gluten-Free Banana Bread, Vegan Banana Bread, Quick Bread, Comfort Food, Breakfast, Snack, Dessert