Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Easy Banana Bread Recipe – Are you looking for a deliciously simple way to use overripe bananas? Make our easy banana bread recipe, bursting with sweet flavor from ripened banana, vanilla, and a combination of sugar. Our recipe for banana bread keeps it easy, and you don’t need fancy equipment or time to whip up two hearty loaves.

In one hour, you’ll be enjoying warm banana bread from the oven with a mug of apple crisp macchiato. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Tasty banana bread starts with the right ingredients, and our easy banana bread recipe is no exception!

• All-Purpose Flour: The pantry staple provides a structure for the bread.
• Sugar: A combination of brown and white sugar adds the perfect sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Elevate banana bread with baking soda for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Use a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Although it’s optional, I highly recommend cinnamon because of its warm and cozy flavor.
• Butter: Other banana bread recipes use oil; I prefer butter for added richness.
• Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better to develop deep and complex flavor.
• Eggs & Yogurt: These binding agents keep everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a boost in flavor.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND SWAPS

Experiment with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon to customize the recipe to your liking.

• Chocolate Chips, Cocoa Powder
• Walnuts, Pecans
• Peanut Butter
• Nutmeg, All Spice
• Maple Syrup, Nutella, Cardamon Simple Syrup
• Orange Zest, Lemon Zest, Cranberries, Raisins, Apricots
• Pumpkin Puree

HOW TO MAKE OUR EASY BANANA BREAD RECIPE

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set it aside.

Add softened butter to a separate bowl, and mash it with a fork. Then, stir in the bananas and combine until the mixture is smooth.

Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the butter and banana mixture; stir to combine.

Pour the bowl with the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients, and combine – careful not to over mix. Instead, fold the ingredients together using a spatula until fully incorporated.

Cover the bowl and set it aside for 1 hour at room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C), then divide the mixture between two prepared loaf pans. Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Let the banana bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

EXPERT TIPS

• Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and texture; select bananas that are slightly brown and soft to the touch.
• Be careful not to mix the batter too much. Stir until the ingredients are combined to avoid a tough, dense loaf.
• Grease your loaf pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS? 

If you love this recipe, try one of these tasty dessert favorites!  

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take the sweet treat to the next level.

• Spread a generous layer of butter or cream cheese on top.
• Top the bread with fresh slices of bananas or berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Pair it with cold brew latte or tea for a cozy snack.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS 

• Storage – To keep your easy banana bread recipe moist, let it cool completely and wrap it in a layer of plastic. Then, transfer it to a bag or a container. It will keep on the counter for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Let the bread cool and wrap it in plastic, followed by foil. Banana bread freezes for 2 months.
• Thaw – Defrost the bread on the counter overnight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS