Dessert

Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Bylina moretti February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Introduction

This easy banana bread recipe is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create a moist, flavorful loaf. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Enjoy it as a comforting breakfast or a sweet snack anytime.

A loaf of banana bread with a golden-brown crust is shown sliced into three pieces and laid out on a wooden surface. The inside of the bread is light brown with visible chunks of nuts scattered throughout. One slice lies flat, showing a moist, dense texture filled with darker spots of banana and nut bits. The bread’s top is slightly cracked with a rough texture. A peeled banana rests to the right side, and a white cloth with blue and red stripes is slightly visible in the upper left corner. The background has a soft, white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (plus extra for topping if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or use baking spray to prepare it.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring well with a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture, then stir to combine evenly.
Step 4: Add the flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using. Stir just until the flour disappears and the ingredients are evenly mixed. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 10 thick pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture in your bread.
Swap walnuts for pecans or add a handful of dried fruit for extra texture.
Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a delicious finish.
For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until soft.

How to Serve

A loaf of banana bread is shown on a white marbled surface, with three slices cut and stacked slightly in front of the main loaf. The bread has a golden brown crust and a light brown, moist inside speckled with pieces of nuts. The top of the loaf shows a cracked texture revealing the soft interior. A peeled banana with a few brown spots is placed next to the bread on the right side, and a white cloth with red and blue stripes is partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas to make banana bread?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding to your batter.

Why is my banana bread dense or gummy?

Dense or gummy banana bread can result from overmixing the batter or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Mix the ingredients gently and use very ripe bananas for the best texture.