The Best Homemade Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Sweet, and Easy to Make
Ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter don’t have to go to waste—they’re actually the beginning of something wonderful. A warm loaf of banana bread fills the air with comforting aromas that feel like a hug from home. With its golden crust, soft crumb, and naturally sweet flavor, banana bread has earned its place as one of the most beloved baked goods around the world.
Baking banana bread isn’t just about using up leftover bananas—it’s about creating a treat that’s rich, moist, and nostalgic. Every bite carries a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this easy recipe will guide you through making a loaf that’s bakery-quality right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake a perfect loaf of moist banana bread, along with the approximate calorie count for each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 3 medium (about 1 ½ cups) | 315 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) | 910 |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | 580 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ½ cup (1 stick) | 810 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Milk (or buttermilk) | 2 tbsp | 25 |
| Optional: Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips | ½ cup | 200 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add texture to your bread.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the less you stir, the softer your banana bread will be.
5. Customize Your Loaf (Optional)
Fold in any add-ins you like—chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruits all work beautifully.
6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- 🍫 Add Chocolate: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
- 🥜 Go Nutty: Add toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch and extra flavor.
- 🌾 Make It Healthier: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and swap white sugar for coconut sugar or honey.
- 🧈 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- 🍌 Extra Moisture Tip: Add a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream for an ultra-moist texture.
- 🧁 Mini Loaves or Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes for muffins or 35 minutes for smaller loaves.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
- Classic & Simple: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- For Breakfast: Pair a slice with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a cup of coffee.
- As Dessert: Toast lightly and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a quick sweet treat.
- Party Platter: Cut into mini slices or squares for brunch gatherings or afternoon teas.
- Kid-Friendly Treat: Add mini chocolate chips and pack it in lunchboxes for a wholesome snack.
The Best Homemade Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Sweet, and Easy to Make
10 slices
servings15
minutes1
hour300
kcalIngredients
For the Banana Bread
3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk (or buttermilk)
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (for warmth and aroma)
Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins
- Stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon if desired.
- Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best Bananas: For the richest flavor and softest texture, use bananas that are deeply speckled or nearly black on the outside. The riper they are, the sweeter and more aromatic your banana bread will be.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter only until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf instead of a soft, fluffy one.
FAQs
1. Why is my banana bread dry or dense?
Dry or dense banana bread usually means the batter was overmixed or too much flour was used. To fix this, measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method and gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
2. How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
The best bananas for banana bread are very ripe, with lots of brown spots or even completely black skins. The darker the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Avoid using green or firm bananas—they won’t add enough natural sweetness or moisture.
3. Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. These substitutions keep your banana bread moist while making it vegan-friendly.
4. Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely. Banana bread freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
5. How do I know when banana bread is done baking?
Banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked. Overbaking can dry out the bread, so check around the 50-minute mark.
Conclusion
Homemade banana bread is more than a way to use overripe bananas—it’s a timeless comfort that never fails to please. With its rich aroma, tender crumb, and perfect sweetness, it captures the essence of home baking at its finest. Whether you prefer it classic, nutty, or chocolatey, this banana bread recipe gives you the foundation to make it your own.
