This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for using overripe bananas. The easy banana bread recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and creates a moist, delicious loaf every time. No mixer needed, just simple ingredients and one bowl.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread
Use Very Ripe Bananas
The browner the bananas, the better. Brown spotted bananas are sweeter and mash easily. They add more flavor and moisture to the bread.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Take eggs and butter out 30 minutes before baking. Room temperature ingredients mix better and create smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix
Mix just until flour disappears. Overmixing makes tough, dense bread. A few lumps are fine.
Quick Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Mash 3-4 ripe bananas
- Mix in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla
- Add flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt
- Fold gently until combined
- Bake 55-65 minutes
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Wet:
- 3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional:
- 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, then eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour dry into wet. Fold gently until just combined.
- Add nuts or chips if using. Stir 2-3 times only.
- Pour into the pan. Bake 55-65 minutes until the toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in a pan. Remove and cool completely.
Notes
Doneness Test: Insert toothpick in center. Should come out clean or with few crumbs.
Pan Size: Must use a 9×5 inch pan. Different sizes change baking time.
Prevent Dryness: Check at 55 minutes. Don’t overbake.
Add-ins: Fold in extras gently at the end. Don’t overmix.
Nutrition
Per slice (12 slices):
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for a Healthy Banana Bread
Reduce Sugar
Use 1/2 cup sugar instead of 3/4 cup. Or replace with 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup.
Healthier Flour
Replace half with whole wheat flour (3/4 cup each). Or use gluten-free flour blend for the gluten-free version.
Less Fat
Use coconut oil instead of butter. Or replace half butter with Greek yogurt (1/4 cup each).
Egg-Free
Make flax eggs: Mix 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 6 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Or use an extra 1/2 banana per egg.
Boost Nutrition:
- Add 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- Mix in 1/4 cup rolled oats
- Add shredded zucchini
- Use dark chocolate chips
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Room Temperature
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store 2-3 days. Or place in an airtight container for 4 days.
Refrigerator
Wrap and store in a container. Keeps 1 week. Warm slices 15-20 seconds in the microwave before eating.
Freezing
Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date.
Freeze Slices:
Place parchment between slices. Wrap stack tightly. Take out individual slices as needed.
Thawing
Refrigerator: Thaw overnight Counter: Thaw 2-3 hours Microwave: Heat slices 30-40 seconds
Refresh Stale Bread:
Wrap slice in damp paper towel. Microwave 20 seconds.
Conclusion
This easy banana bread recipe is simple and foolproof. Just mash bananas, mix ingredients, and bake. Perfect for breakfast or snacks. Try healthy substitutions to fit your diet. The bread freezes well for quick treats anytime.
FAQs
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing develops gluten and makes bread tough. Mix just until combined. Also check baking soda isn’t expired.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or extra 1/2 banana per egg.
How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots or completely brown. These are sweeter and mash easily.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in 1/2 cup after mixing batter. Stir gently 2-3 times only.
Why did the top crack?
Normal and desirable. Outside sets faster than inside. Center pushes through as it rises.