Introduction

Are you searching for a delicious way to use up your overripe bananas? This easy banana bread recipe is the perfect solution. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter the next day, this banana bread will be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to make banana bread even more moist and flavorful. Perfect for when you have extra bananas that are a little past their prime!

Banana bread has been a beloved classic for generations, and for good reason. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap out ingredients to make it healthier, this recipe is adaptable to your preferences. Let’s dive into the details so you can start baking the best banana bread ever!

Banana Bread Recipe

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Slices

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

Calories

215

kcal

This easy banana bread recipe is moist, delicious, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s a foolproof recipe for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, and enjoy a tender loaf every time.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 beaten egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, use a fork to mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 beaten egg. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour until just combined.
Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Banana Size: This recipe calls for medium-sized bananas. If your bananas are particularly large, you may want to use only two, or adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Storage Tip: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. Wrapping it in foil will also help preserve its moisture. You can reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer warm banana bread.
Banana Flavor Boost: For a stronger banana flavor, add an extra banana or some banana extract. You can also roast the bananas before mashing them for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Tips & Tricks

How to Make Banana Bread Moist

Making the perfect banana bread doesn’t just come down to the ingredients; it’s about how you handle them. If you want your banana bread to be extra moist, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

Use Overripe Bananas:
The best banana bread comes from bananas that are soft, brown, and even a little mushy. Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide more moisture, which is crucial for that soft, tender crumb. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
When you add the flour, be sure to mix it just until it’s combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser, tougher bread. The key to a light and fluffy loaf is to stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears.
Add Extra Moisture:
For an even richer texture, you can add 1/4 cup of sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce to the batter. These ingredients help retain moisture and keep the bread soft, even after a day or two. Another great addition is a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness and moisture.
Experiment with Add-ins:
Want to take your banana bread to the next level? Try adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon to the batter. These ingredients not only add texture but also elevate the flavor. You can also swirl in a bit of Nutella or peanut butter for a delicious twist.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands offer gluten-free flour blends that are specifically designed to mimic the properties of regular flour, so you won’t lose any of that classic banana bread texture. You can also add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve the structure and crumb of your bread.

Vegan Banana Bread

Making vegan banana bread is just as easy and delicious! To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free option. The result will be just as moist and flavorful as the original!

Nutrition Information:

Each slice of this banana bread contains approximately:

Calories: 215
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Fiber: 2g

This recipe can be made lighter by reducing the sugar content or substituting the butter with applesauce or a healthier fat alternative.

FAQs Section

Can you freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Banana bread is one of those baked goods that freezes beautifully. To freeze, allow the bread to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread can last for 3-4 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want it to stay fresh for longer, refrigerating it is a great option—it can last up to a week when kept in the fridge. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend wrapping the loaf in plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.

Author’s Notes:

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Your feedback helps me improve and share more delicious recipes.

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