Name: Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed); 1/3 cup salted butter, melted; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional), plus extra for topping if desired

If you have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, it’s time to grab your mixing bowl and whip up the Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe you’ll ever try! This banana bread is wonderfully moist, packed with just the right amount of sweetness, and studded with delightful walnuts or melty chocolate chips that elevate every bite. It’s truly a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Trust me when I say that once you make this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for using up bananas and impressing everyone around you with effortless homemade goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

An overhead view shows an arrangement of baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the upper middle is a white bowl filled with white flour, to its right is a smaller white bowl with white sugar. To the left of the flour bowl is another white bowl filled with shelled walnuts. Below these bowls, from left to right, are four small glass bowls with brown cinnamon, white salt, white baking soda, and white baking powder. A single brown egg is placed near the middle, close to a small wrapped block of butter. At the bottom right are three ripe yellow bananas with many brown spots on their skins. Below the small bowls on the left is a small glass bowl of golden honey. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have on hand, each carefully chosen to create a rich, tender crumb and delicious flavor. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm hint of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts or chocolate chips, every component plays a vital role in making this the Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe.

3-4 ripe bananas: The softer and spotty, the better—they add natural sweetness and moisture.
1/3 cup salted butter melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
1 large egg beaten: Binds everything together while contributing to a light texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and gives it a lovely airy crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure perfect lift.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the other ingredients.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything beautifully together.
1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips: Your choice to add crunch or gooey pockets of sweetness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or simply use a non-stick baking spray—this step ensures your banana bread will slip out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the melted butter. Next, add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing everything well. This combination creates the luscious base for your bread’s rich flavor and moist texture.

Step 3: Add the Leavening and Spices

Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the wet banana mixture. Gently fold them in to evenly distribute these little helpers that will give your bread that perfect rise and warmth.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Add-ins

Add the all-purpose flour along with your choice of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. Stir just enough to combine without overmixing—just until you no longer see flour streaks. This ensures a tender crumb that isn’t tough or chewy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if you like, and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this step helps maintain its shape and texture.

How to Serve Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Two slices of nut bread with visible large walnut pieces and a golden brown crust rest on a white plate that is stacked on top of two other white plates with a speckled rim. In the background, the remaining loaf of bread shows a slightly cracked, textured golden-brown crust. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh banana slices, a light spread of butter, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup elevate the banana bread in simple yet charming ways. For a richer twist, try cream cheese or peanut butter as a topping—the creamy contrast pairs wonderfully with the sweet, moist bread.

Side Dishes

Whether it’s alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, the Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe makes for a comforting snack anytime. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a delightful brunch or dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your banana bread into thick slices and lightly toast them for a warm, crispy texture that highlights its flavors even more. You can also cut it into cubes and skewer them with fresh fruit for a fun breakfast kabob or serve it French toast style, dipping slices in egg batter before frying for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container on the counter to keep it fresh for a few days. Refrigeration is also a good option if you want it to last a little longer, but keep in mind that refrigeration can dry it out faster, so wrapping is key.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Slice the banana bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth and softness, pop a slice of banana bread in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly. This gentle heat makes the bananas smell heavenly again and brings out the nuts or chocolate chips’ delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread, but keep in mind the bananas do contribute natural sweetness. Cutting the sugar too much might affect the moisture and texture, so adjust carefully.

What if I don’t have walnuts or chocolate chips?

No problem! This recipe is flexible. You can leave them out entirely or swap with other add-ins like pecans, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes. Each variation adds its own unique flair.

How ripe should my bananas be?

Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. That level of ripeness ensures maximum sweetness and moisture in your banana bread’s batter, making it wonderfully soft and flavorful.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend, but it will still be delicious.

Is the Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe suitable for muffins?

Definitely! Simply pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for about 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Muffins are a fun, portable way to enjoy this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a loaf of banana bread that fills your kitchen with the scent of warm bananas, cinnamon, and nostalgia. This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is one of those simple joys that never disappoints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, it’s approachable, reliable, and downright delicious. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home all year round!

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe