If you have a handful of overripe bananas and a craving for something comforting and delicious, then you are going to absolutely love this Easy Banana Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect way to turn those mushy bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and spice, with a tender crumb that’s wonderfully satisfying whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted the next day. Trust me, once you try this easy banana bread recipe, it will become your go-to for snacks, breakfast, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe shines because of its simple, accessible ingredients that work together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role, contributing to the bread’s flavor, texture, and that perfect golden hue.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body essential for a soft yet sturdy loaf.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps give the bread a tender crumb by lightening the flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent, allowing the bread to rise wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra boost of lightness for a fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with warm, cozy spice notes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth that complements the banana perfectly.
- 2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium-large): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Adds rich caramel undertones while keeping the bread moist.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a clean, subtle flavor.
- 1 stick butter, melted (8 tablespoons or ½ cup): Brings richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add extra moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, floral aroma.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. To ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick and releases easily after baking, line your 5×9 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step sets the stage for baking success and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking them together ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate container, mash your ripe bananas until smooth and then add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until the mixture is well combined. The result is a rich, luscious base that will infuse every slice with moisture and sweetness.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together just until the flour disappears — it’s okay to leave a few lumps. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so keep your touch light and loving here.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The smell while baking will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. This step is key to allow the loaf to set so when you slice it, each piece stays intact and looks as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your banana bread from everyday to delightful. Try spreading a generous swipe of softened butter or cream cheese on each slice. For a bit of extra indulgence, drizzle with honey or sprinkle chopped walnuts or chocolate chips on top for crunch and flair.
Side Dishes
Banana bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. Early morning, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt for a balanced and satisfying breakfast. For a dessert twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate presentation by slicing banana bread into small finger-sized pieces for a party platter or dessert tray. You could also use it as the base for a trifle by layering it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Toasting slices and topping with nut butter and banana slices makes for a scrumptious open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and flavorful. Wrapping the loaf or slices tightly in plastic wrap prevents the bread from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its delicious taste and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or heat it in a toaster oven until just warmed through. This revives the soft texture and brings out the rich banana flavor as if it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this Easy Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
What if I want to reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar by up to half if you prefer a less sweet banana bread; the mashed bananas provide natural sweetness that helps balance the flavor.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Stir in about ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is perfectly baked.
Is it okay to use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends, keeping in mind that it may slightly change the bread’s crumb and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe has such a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a few pantry staples and ripe bananas, you can whip up a loaf that brings joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Give it a try and let this comforting banana bread become your next crowd-pleaser and personal favorite. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Banana Bread recipe produces a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. Combining ripe mashed bananas with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a blend of brown and granulated sugars, this banana bread delivers a tender crumb with a rich buttery flavor. The method is straightforward, involving a simple mix of dry and wet ingredients followed by baking in the oven until golden brown. Ideal for beginner bakers, it promises a comforting homemade treat that’s sure to please family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium-large bananas)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick butter (melted; 8 tablespoons or ½ cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 5×9 inch loaf pan with baking parchment or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir together thoroughly and set aside.
- Wet ingredients: In a large measuring jug or bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a rubber spatula just until the flour mixture is moistened. It’s important not to overmix; some lumps are okay to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a less sweet banana bread, reduce the sugar amounts by half or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Mash the bananas thoroughly to avoid large chunks in the batter.
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips if desired for extra texture and flavor.
- Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
