Banana bread recipe lovers know there’s nothing quite like the aroma of sweet, ripe bananas melting into a warm, moist loaf in the oven. The scent wraps around your kitchen like comfort itself, promising a slice of homemade banana bread that’s soft in the centre with a golden crust. Whether you’re craving a classic banana bread recipe for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, this easy banana bread method delivers every time. At recipeslaides, we believe the best banana bread starts with simple ingredients and a little love.
This banana bread recipe creates a moist banana bread loaf with deep banana flavour and a tender crumb — perfect if you’re wondering how to make banana bread with overripe bananas in the most delicious way.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is a Banana Bread Recipe?
A banana bread recipe is a quick bread made with mashed ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda instead of yeast. Often considered the best banana bread recipe for home bakers, it’s simple to prepare and baked in a loaf pan until golden and fragrant.
Unlike yeast breads, quick breads rely on baking soda or baking powder for lift, giving banana bread its soft texture and rich crumb.
Why You’ll Love It
This easy banana bread recipe is reliable, adaptable, and filled with cozy flavor. It turns spotty bananas into something truly special.
- Quick to make
- Healthy flavor
- Flexible ingredients
- Meal-prep friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Reader Questions You May Have
- How ripe should bananas be for moist banana bread?
- Can I make banana bread without baking soda?
- What makes banana bread dense instead of fluffy?
- How to make banana bread with overripe bananas perfectly?
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (adds moisture and tenderness)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, for a classic comfort food twist)
Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth with small lumps remaining. The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter your moist banana bread will be.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold gently: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until no flour streaks remain.
Micro-tip: Overmixing causes dense texture — stop as soon as it’s combined. - Add mix-ins if desired, then pour batter into the loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes. The core cooking moment happens when the top turns deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
If you enjoy sweet bakes, you might also love this indulgent Hot Fudge Brownie Bread for a chocolate twist.
Quick-fix: If the top browns too fast, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Banana bread is wonderfully flexible and adapts to whatever you have on hand.
Healthy Twist
Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly. According to guidance from the USDA, incorporating whole grains supports balanced nutrition.
You can also replace butter with applesauce for a lighter version.
For more cozy dinner inspiration, try Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight or this comforting Baked Ziti with Sausage.
Budget-Friendly Version
Use oil instead of butter and skip mix-ins. Even basic pantry staples create the best banana bread recipe texture.
If you’re exploring economical meal prep, check out Best Types of Beans for affordable protein ideas.
Kid-Friendly Option
Add mini chocolate chips and bake into muffins. Kids love handheld versions for breakfast or lunchboxes.
High-Protein Upgrade
Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder and extra Greek yogurt. Healthline notes that protein can support satiety, making this a satisfying snack.
Tips
- Use bananas that are heavily spotted or nearly black for maximum sweetness.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- For bakery-style texture, rest the batter for 5 minutes before baking.
- Store bananas in the freezer if overripe — perfect for future baking.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
How do you keep banana bread moist after baking?
Wrap it while slightly warm and store in an airtight container.
To reheat, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to restore that just-baked softness.
FAQs
1. How do I make banana bread more moist?
Use very ripe bananas and add Greek yogurt or sour cream. Avoid overbaking.
2. Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce for a softer texture.
3. Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing and too much flour are common causes.
4. What is the best banana bread recipe for beginners?
A simple one-bowl quick bread like this is ideal. You may also enjoy Pineapple Juice Cake if you love fruity desserts.
5. Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
6. How long should banana bread cool before slicing?
At least 20–30 minutes to allow the structure to set properly.
If you enjoy comfort casseroles, you might also love this classic: The Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe.
Nutrition
Approximate per slice:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 8g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.nts used.
Best Banana Bread Recipe (Moist & Easy)
Equipment
- 1 9×5 inch loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk or spatula
- 1 Oven
- 1 Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep the banana bread soft and tender.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Final Notes
There’s something timeless about slicing into warm banana bread — steam rising, butter melting instantly into the crumb. This classic comfort bake transforms simple pantry staples into something deeply satisfying and heartwarming.
Bake it once, and it may just become your go-to homemade tradition.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Try these creamy Cookies and Cream Cookies
- Or enjoy the fruity freshness of Peach Recipes – Juicy, Easy and Irresistible