Classic Banana Bread Recipe
This Classic Banana Bread recipe is a timeless favorite. Made with ripe bananas, simple pantry ingredients, and a touch of love, this banana bread is perfectly moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe is easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients Overview
For the Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas (3 medium-sized): The riper the bananas, the better! Bananas with dark, speckled peels provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The base of the bread, creating a soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the bread without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a subtle caramel-like flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and moisture to the loaf.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the bread, ensuring it rises beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips (1/2 cup each) for added texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay for added texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- If using optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
6. Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use Overripe Bananas
- The best bananas for banana bread are heavily speckled or fully brown. Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and make the bread incredibly moist.
2. Avoid Overmixing
- Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the bread tough.
3. Customize Your Loaf
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch.
- Make it Chocolatey: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Slice: Enjoy the banana bread plain, as its natural flavors shine through beautifully.
- Toast It: Toast a slice and spread with butter or cream cheese for a warm, comforting snack.
- Add a Drizzle: Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a bakery-style finish.

Storage and Leftovers
1. Room Temperature:
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration:
- To extend its freshness, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave or toaster before serving for the best texture.
3. Freezing:
- Banana bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for great results.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Absolutely! Thaw the bananas first and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.
Q: How do I know when the banana bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
Conclusion
This Classic Banana Bread Recipe is everything you need for a perfect homemade loaf—moist, tender, and bursting with sweet banana flavor. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a must-have in your collection. It’s easy to make, customizable, and delicious every single time.
Give this recipe a try and share your results with us! Don’t forget to tag your creations with #ClassicBananaBread. Happy baking!
Print
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: : 8–10 slices
Description
This Classic Banana Bread is moist, tender, and bursting with sweet banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this timeless recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers the ultimate comfort food every time.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 🥄 Ripe Bananas (3 medium-sized): Provides natural sweetness and moisture.
- 🥄 All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): Creates a soft, tender crumb.
- 🥄 Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the bread without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 🥄 Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a subtle caramel-like flavor.
- 🥄 Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and moisture.
- 🥄 Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together for structure.
- 🥄 Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
- 🥄 Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a beautifully risen loaf.
- 🥄 Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 🥄 Optional Add-ins (1/2 cup): Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and variety.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Bananas:
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
6. Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly and bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, replace sugar with honey, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Add Flavor: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra indulgence.