Banana bread is a timeless classic that perfectly balances sweetness and simplicity. This recipe is a staple for cozy mornings or mid-afternoon snacks, filling your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. The use of ripe bananas not only ensures a rich, natural sweetness but also makes the bread incredibly moist. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or paired with a cup of tea or coffee, this banana bread is guaranteed to delight every bite.
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and the baking time is approximately 50–60 minutes. With a total time of just over an hour, you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf ready to enjoy!
preparation time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas should be soft and have a few small lumps for texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients To the mashed bananas, add the sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients If desired, stir in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to add a delightful crunch or extra sweetness.
Step 6: Pour Batter into the Pan Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread is versatile and customizable. You can adjust the sweetness by using brown sugar for a richer flavor or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist. The moist texture, combined with the subtle banana flavor, makes it perfect for any occasion—whether as a quick breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a dessert.
Making this classic banana bread is not only easy but also deeply rewarding. It’s an excellent way to use up overripe bananas and create a wholesome treat that brings joy to the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a family favorite. Share it with loved ones or enjoy it as a comforting indulgence for yourself. With its quick prep time and incredible flavor, this banana bread is a must-try for anyone who loves home-baked goodness.
Try it today, and let the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread fill your home!
Enjoy your delicious Classic Banana Bread!