Description
This easy banana bread recipe creates a perfectly moist, tender loaf with incredible banana flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and overripe bananas, this one-bowl wonder is foolproof and delicious every time. The golden-brown crust gives way to a soft, fluffy interior that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large overripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
- â…“ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl with a fork until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add leavening and salt: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold in flour: Add the flour and gently fold with a spatula until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Banana ripeness: The blacker and softer your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Flour measurement: Spoon flour into measuring cup and level off—don’t scoop directly from the bag.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until flour is incorporated to ensure tender bread.
- Add-ins: Fold in ½-¾ cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans if desired.
- Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for 4 days, refrigerate for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Testing doneness: A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
