If you’re craving something wonderfully comforting and utterly delicious, this Classic Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and a moist crumb, this banana bread strikes the perfect balance between tender and flavorful. It’s an all-time favorite that’s easy to make and guaranteed to bring a cozy, homemade vibe to any kitchen. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that soft texture, just-right sweetness, and inviting aroma. From the ripe bananas that add moisture to the cinnamon that gives a subtle warmth, every element counts.
- Mashed bananas (1â…“ cups): Using overripe bananas ensures maximum sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the bread without weighing it down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warming depth and a hint of spice.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Brings sweetness and helps with browning.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a fragrant sweetness that enhances the bananas.
How to Make Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Get your loaf pan ready by greasing it and dusting it with flour, or simply line it with parchment paper for an easy release. This step ensures your banana bread will come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash about four small ripe bananas using a fork until you have 1⅓ cups of mashed banana. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be, so don’t shy away from those brown spots.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients will ensure your Classic Banana Bread Recipe rises well and holds a delicate warmth from the cinnamon.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars. Beat this mixture with a hand mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—about two minutes. This creates a wonderful base for your batter, trapping air for a lighter texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas. This mixture brings moisture, flavor, and richness to your banana bread.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture and gently fold them together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen your banana bread and reduce its tender crumb.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here helps it set perfectly.
How to Serve Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra something to this already fabulous Classic Banana Bread Recipe, consider topping slices with a thin smear of softened butter or cream cheese. For a hint of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or toasted pecans on top right after baking.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal start to your morning or a comforting afternoon pick-me-up. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast that keeps things light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the banana bread thick, then lightly toasting each slice to amplify the aroma and texture. Spoon a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey on top for a dessert-worthy treat that’s still wholesome and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Banana Bread Recipe stays fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it wrapped tightly helps retain moisture so each slice is every bit as soft and flavorful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep banana bread on hand for longer, it freezes beautifully. Slice it first, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread can last up to three months, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread warm, pop slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. The subtle warmth enhances its natural sweetness and recreates that just-baked softness we all love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for this Classic Banana Bread Recipe. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing so the batter doesn’t get too watery.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
If you’re out of cinnamon, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different but still lovely flavor.
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Adjust baking time slightly as needed.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough can make your bread dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined and use very ripe bananas for the best texture.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is perfectly baked. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Classic Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a comforting, easy-to-make treat that feels like a warm embrace. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family—or keeping all to yourself. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic banana bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe mashed bananas, warm cinnamon, and a balanced blend of sugars and butter, it’s an easy-to-make treat that comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1â…“ cups mashed bananas (about 4 small bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) or vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or alternatively, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: Using a fork, mash the bananas until you have about 1â…“ cups of mashed banana with a slightly chunky texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to preserve moisture.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Room temperature eggs help achieve a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Test doneness with a toothpick near the end of baking time to avoid a dry loaf.
- You may substitute vegetable oil for butter to make it dairy-free.
