Classic Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
This timeless recipe transforms overripe bananas into a rich, dense loaf with a hint of sweetness and a warm, cozy aroma. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and an easy go-to treat for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
Banana bread is extremely versatile—you can enjoy it plain, with nuts or chocolate chips, or even toasted with a dab of butter. It pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
The secret to perfect banana bread lies in using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter, which keeps the crumb soft and tender. With just a few pantry staples, this banana bread comes together in no time and stays fresh for days. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream (optional for extra moisture)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Servings:
1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Calories per Serving:
Approx. 250 kcal (without add-ins)
Nutrition Information (Per Slice):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Instructions:
Preheat & Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas:
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and mashed bananas. Stir in yogurt or sour cream if using.
Add Dry to Wet:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula—do not overmix. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas—the blacker the peel, the sweeter and moister the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the texture light and tender.
- Add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.
Bonus Pairing Tip: Perfect with a Latte
Pair your banana bread with a warm latte for a cozy café-style moment at home. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of your latte to echo the flavors in the bread.
Conclusion:
This Classic Banana Bread recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that never goes out of style. With its moist crumb, deep banana flavor, and endless customization options, it’s a loaf you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself with a hot drink and a good book.