Simple Banana Bread

Name: Simple Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Collection

This Simple Banana Bread recipe is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:29:34.830Z

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that brings back fond memories of home baking. With its rich flavor and soft texture, it's a delightful treat for breakfast or a snack.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Easy to make with only a few simple ingredients
Perfectly moist with a rich banana flavor
Great for using up overripe bananas
Versatile: add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor

      

The Benefits of Banana Bread

Banana bread is not only a delicious treat but also an excellent way to reduce food waste. Overripe bananas, which might otherwise be tossed out, can be transformed into a moist and flavorful loaf that the whole family will enjoy. This recipe ensures that you make the most of those ripe bananas, turning them into something special.

In addition to being a sustainable choice, banana bread is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. This makes it a fantastic option for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, catering to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

To achieve the best results, choose bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you have frozen bananas, simply thaw them out and mash them for this recipe—no need to discard them!

When mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to ensure a tender loaf. If you prefer a more textured bread, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips, which can add a delightful crunch and additional flavor.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it's best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor for several days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag.

Banana bread can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey. For a delicious breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Simple Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the baking soda and salt with the flour.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about banana bread is whether it can be made gluten-free. The answer is yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free version of this classic recipe.

Another frequent inquiry is about the ripeness of bananas. If you find yourself with bananas that are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps the ethylene gas they produce, helping them ripen faster.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, which can complement the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.

For a fun twist, try swirling in some peanut butter or Nutella before baking. This not only adds a rich flavor but also creates a stunning visual effect when you slice into the bread!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to this recipe?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.