Best Banana Bread Recipe

I’ve been baking banana bread for over a decade, and I’ll tell you exactly why this recipe stands above the rest. My secret lies in the perfect balance of overripe bananas and brown sugar, creating that irresistible moist texture you’re after. While many recipes claim to be the best, I’ve tested countless variations to develop these precise measurements and techniques. Let me show you how to transform those spotty bananas into something extraordinary.

Recipe

This incredibly moist and flavorful banana bread recipe has been perfected over countless Sunday mornings in my kitchen, and I can confidently say it’s the only recipe you’ll ever need. The secret lies in using perfectly overripe bananas – those spotty, almost black ones that are too soft to eat but packed with natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.

What makes this version truly special is the delicate balance of warm cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and brown sugar that complements the banana without overpowering it. Each slice delivers a tender, cake-like crumb with a slightly crispy top and those heavenly pockets of melted banana throughout.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this foolproof recipe consistently produces that classic, homey aroma that fills your kitchen and the kind of banana bread that disappears from the cooling rack before it’s completely cool. It’s the perfect way to transform those forgotten bananas into something absolutely magnificent.

Ingredients

Making the perfect banana bread is all about using the right ingredients at the right stage of ripeness. The key to achieving that irresistibly moist, perfectly sweet loaf lies in selecting overripe bananas – those spotty, dark ones that might look past their prime are actually banana bread gold.

While most ingredients are pantry staples, each plays an essential role in creating that classic, comforting flavor we all love.

• 3-4 very ripe bananas (brown-spotted), mashed (about 1½ cups)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil for extra moisture)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or ¾ cup for less sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra moisture)

Pro tip: Can’t wait for bananas to ripen? Speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple overnight. For dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and yogurt with applesauce.

How to Make the Best Classic Homemade Banana Bread

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This extra step guarantees your bread won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mash 3-4 very ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth but still with some small chunks. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can quickly ripen them in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until black.
• Beat softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, creating a lighter texture. Don’t rush this process – proper creaming is essential for tender bread.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and mix until combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled – this is normal and will smooth out when you add the dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting these ingredients helps prevent lumps and guarantees even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the batter.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas. Mix just until combined – overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough bread. Stop when you no longer see streaks of flour.
• Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Optional: sprinkle brown sugar, nuts, or oats on top for a crunchy crust.
• Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 45 minutes.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing – although it’s tempting, cutting warm banana bread can make it crumbly.

Chef Tips



Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let me share some professional insights I’ve learned from years of baking banana bread.

I recommend trying different flavor combinations like dark chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon.

For storage tips, wrap your bread in plastic and keep it at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition



This classic banana bread recipe provides essential nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. One slice (about 60g) contains the following nutritional values:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	196
Total Fat	7.3g
Saturated Fat	4.1g
Cholesterol	37mg
Sodium	205mg
Total Carbohydrates	30.2g
Dietary Fiber	1.3g
Sugars	15.1g
Protein	2.8g
Iron	0.9mg
Calcium	22mg
Potassium	148mg
Vitamin A	234IU

What You’ll Love About This Recipe



This classic homemade banana bread recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma while baking.

Simple Pantry Ingredients – You likely have everything you need already in your kitchen, making this the perfect last-minute baking project.

Perfectly Moist Every Time – The natural moisture from ripe bananas guarantees a tender, never-dry texture that stays fresh for days.

Versatile Recipe – Easily customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to create your perfect version of this timeless treat.

Recipe Card

A timeless classic that transforms overripe bananas into a moist, sweet loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

The rich aroma of freshly baked banana bread fills your kitchen as this simple recipe comes together.

Ingredients:

2-3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup melted butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Butter a 4×8-inch loaf pan
3. Mix mashed bananas with melted butter
4. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract
5. Sprinkle baking soda and salt
6. Stir in flour
7. Pour batter into prepared pan
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown

Notes:

Test doneness with a toothpick inserted into center coming out clean

Equipment:

4×8-inch loaf pan

Large mixing bowl

Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 50-60 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: 8 slices