Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

Homemade banana bread is a simple way to turn ripe bananas into something warm, soft, and full of flavor. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while a little cinnamon gives the loaf a comforting flavor. It is great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

How to Make Banana Bread

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your 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 ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small pieces are fine and can add extra texture to the finished bread.

Add the melted butter and sugar and stir until combined. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

If you are using nuts, fold them in at the end.

Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool further before slicing.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. They are sweeter and give the bread more banana flavor.

Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour.

For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.

Let the loaf cool before slicing. This gives the crumb time to set and makes the slices easier to cut.

How to Serve

Banana bread tastes great slightly warm with butter. You can also serve it with peanut butter, cream cheese, honey, or simply enjoy it on its own.

A slice makes an easy breakfast or snack with coffee, tea, or milk.

How to Store

Keep cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

This homemade banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor, making it a delicious way to use those ripe bananas sitting on the kitchen counter.