Description
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is soft, moist, and full of naturally sweet banana flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ripe bananas, this classic homemade quick bread comes together easily and is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 medium bananas, or 2 large bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
- If using 3 bananas, the loaf will be slightly less moist than when using 4.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the banana bread tender.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- The cooled banana bread can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American