Banana Bread Recipe: The Best Homemade Banana Bread
A Warm, Comforting Treat
Servings
8
Ready In:
55min
Calories:
~350 calories per slice
Good For:
Breakfast, dessert, snack
Inroduction
A Timeless Classic
By: Edina Sznida
Banana bread is a timeless classic. It’s not just a delicious treat—it’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create a homemade loaf that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm, freshly baked bread. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this banana bread recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy, flavorful, and packed with the sweet, comforting taste of bananas. With a rich texture and the option to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts and chocolate, this banana bread recipe will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire.
So, if you’re wondering how to make banana bread, or searching for the best banana bread recipe online, you’ve come to the right place! This banana loaf recipe is not only straightforward but guarantees a banana loaf that’s perfectly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into this banana bread recipe that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for the Best Banana Bread Recipe
- 2 ripe bananas (or up to 3 if you prefer a stronger banana flavor)
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 130g brown sugar
- 100g butter (or substitute with 90g vegetable oil for a lighter option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (adds a fresh citrusy note)
- A pinch of salt (balances the sweetness)
- 70g chocolate chips (optional but adds a wonderful texture)
- 30g walnuts (optional for a nutty crunch)
- 30g almonds (optional for added texture and flavor)
- 30g sugar crystals (optional for topping)
How to Make Banana Bread: Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the Oven to the Right Temperature
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) on static mode. The oven needs to be hot enough to create a beautifully risen loaf. Once the oven is preheated, move on to the next steps while it warms up.
Step 2
Prepare Your Bananas
Take your ripe bananas and peel them. If you’re wondering how to ripen bananas fast for banana bread, placing them in a warm spot will speed up the process, but ideally, you want bananas that are soft and speckled. Mash them using a fork or an immersion blender until you have a smooth puree. The bananas should create a creamy texture that will help the bread stay moist.
Step 3
Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, start by creaming the butter with the brown sugar. Add the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon, and mix until smooth. Initially, you might want to use your hands to help break down the butter, as this will incorporate the sugar better. Once the butter is soft, you can switch to an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the mashed bananas.
Step 4
Add the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the banana bread batter. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently, making sure the flour is completely incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the bread to stay light and fluffy.
Step 5
Mix in the Extras
Here comes the fun part—mixing in the extras! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, walnuts, almonds, and sugar crystals. These will add both texture and flavor to your loaf. Mix gently, using a spatula, to prevent deflating the batter.
Step 6
Pour the Batter into the Loaf Pan
Now it’s time to pour the banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan. If you’re using a 9-inch loaf pan (around 22 cm), this recipe should fit perfectly. Spread the batter evenly and smooth the top with a spatula. You can also add a sliced banana on top for extra decoration, but that’s entirely optional.
Step 7
Bake the Banana Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for an additional 35 minutes. This baking method helps create a beautifully risen loaf with a soft, tender crumb. As always, make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready.
Step 8
Cool and Slice
Once your banana bread is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about two hours. Although it smells irresistible, it’s important to let it cool to help it hold its shape. After cooling, slice it up and enjoy!
Why This is the Best Banana Bread Ever
If you’re searching for banana bread recipes online, it’s likely because you want a banana bread that’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe is all that and more! Here’s why:
- Perfect Texture: The banana bread bananas give it a soft, moist crumb that’s never dry.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The cinnamon and lemon zest elevate the flavor, making this banana bread stand out from the rest.
- Easy to Make: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this banana bread recipe easy to follow and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter to make it your own.
This banana bread recipe is the one you’ve been waiting for—the best banana bread recipe that combines simplicity with delicious results every time.
Variations to Try
While the classic version of banana bread is beloved by many, feel free to get creative with your additions.
Want to mix it up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try with your banana loaf recipe:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Coconut Banana Bread: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Banana Blueberry Bread: Mix in a cup of fresh blueberries for a burst of sweetness in every bite.
- Banana Bread with Streusel Topping: Top the bread with a cinnamon-sugar streusel before baking for a crunchy, sweet topping.
The beauty of banana bread recipes is that they’re so customizable, and you can add whatever ingredients you love.
Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread
One of the best things about banana bread recipes easy is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Here’s how to store and freeze your banana loaf:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within a few days, keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate: If you want it to last a bit longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for banana bread recipes, this one should be at the top of your list. It’s moist, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. The simple yet irresistible combination of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon zest gives this banana bread recipe a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
This banana bread recipe easy to follow makes it the perfect baking project for anyone, and the best banana bread ever is just a few steps away. Whether you’re new to baking or have made banana bread a hundred times before, this recipe will be a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of banana bread (assuming 10 slices per loaf) contains approximately 250 calories, though this will vary depending on the number of nuts and chocolate chips you add. For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar or use less butter.
Good For:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Afternoon snack
- Dessert or side for coffee
- Meal prep and snacks on-the-go
This banana bread recipe is a true classic, bringing joy to your table with every slice. So, the next time you find yourself with a bunch of ripe bananas, don’t just let them sit there—transform them into a loaf of warm, fragrant banana bread that your whole family will love. Happy baking!
