Simple Banana Bread

Name: Simple Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Modern Favorites

Simple Banana Bread

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:22:34.767Z

This Simple Banana Bread recipe is a delightful way to use up overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
Rich banana flavor perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla
Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have

      

The Perfect Snack or Breakfast

Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this simple banana bread recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Pair a slice of banana bread with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day. It also makes for an excellent lunchbox addition for kids, providing them with energy and nutrition to power through their school day. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

To ensure your banana bread turns out perfectly every time, use very ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even those that are completely brown; they are ideal for baking.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light and fluffy texture you want. Finally, feel free to customize your banana bread by adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Storing and Freezing Banana Bread

Storing your banana bread properly will help retain its moisture and flavor. After the bread has completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

To freeze banana bread, slice it first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you crave it! To thaw, simply leave a slice at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious banana bread.

Ingredients

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

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making the banana bread!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your banana bread.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Now that your banana bread is ready, enjoy it warm or store it for later!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Nutritional Benefits

Banana bread is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function. They also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

By making banana bread at home, you can control the sugar content and add healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour or nuts, to boost its nutritional profile. Enjoying a slice of banana bread can be part of a balanced diet when made with care and attention to ingredients.

Creative Variations

While the classic banana bread recipe is hard to beat, there are numerous creative variations to explore. For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut or pineapple to the batter. If you're a chocolate lover, consider swirling in cocoa powder or adding chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent treat.

You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor. For a healthier spin, substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or try incorporating oats for a heartier texture. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your banana bread to suit your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw and mash them before adding to the mixture.

→ How do I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I make my banana bread sweeter?

You can increase the sugar to 1 cup or add chocolate chips for additional sweetness.