There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, and it’s not just from the oven. This beloved classic is wonderfully simple to make, a fantastic way to use those overripe bananas, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Our tried-and-true recipe yields a beautifully moist, tender crumb every single time, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a quick breakfast treat, this is the only banana bread recipe you’ll ever need.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or by hand, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Creative Twists on a Classic
While our classic recipe is delightful on its own, it also serves as a perfect canvas for your creativity. Here are a few of our favorite variations to inspire you:
Air Fryer Banana Bread: For a quick and energy-efficient bake, you can adapt this recipe for your air fryer! Simply pour the batter into a smaller, air-fryer-safe pan and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 30-40 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to get that perfect bake without heating up the whole kitchen.
Sticky Toffee Banana Bread: For a truly decadent treat, combine two timeless desserts. Create a simple toffee sauce with brown sugar, butter, and a splash of cream to drizzle over the top of the finished loaf. It’s an unforgettable indulgence.
Vegan Banana Bread: Making a plant-based version is easy! Replace the butter with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil or another vegetable oil, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the two eggs. The result is just as moist and delicious.
Coconut & Cardamom Banana Bread: For an exotic flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom to your dry ingredients and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter. This aromatic combination adds a sophisticated and wonderfully fragrant twist.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional values are approximate and based on a single serving (1 of 12 slices).
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 229 kcal |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugar | 19g |
| Protein | 4g |