Classic Homemade Banana Bread

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven—it’s warm, sweet, and instantly inviting. Classic Homemade Banana Bread is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Made with simple pantry staples and overripe bananas, it transforms humble ingredients into a moist, tender loaf with a rich banana flavor and just the right touch of sweetness.

This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, often tied to family traditions and weekend baking. It’s the perfect way to use bananas that might otherwise go to waste, turning them into a golden-brown loaf that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or enhanced with nuts and chocolate chips, banana bread is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly rewarding. It turns humble, overripe bananas into a moist, tender loaf that fills the kitchen with the sweetest aroma. The texture is soft and buttery, with just the right balance of sweetness and richness.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility. You can enjoy banana bread plain, toasted with butter, or dressed up with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a cream cheese spread. It’s also freezer-friendly, which means you can always have a slice of homemade comfort ready to enjoy.

Most of all, banana bread feels like a hug in loaf form—it’s nostalgic, satisfying, and always reminds me of family kitchens and lazy Sunday mornings.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

1. Beginner-friendly – no complicated steps, just mix and bake.
2. One-bowl convenience – easy cleanup, minimal equipment.
3. Moist and flavorful – perfect texture every time.
4. Resourceful – uses up overripe bananas you might otherwise waste.
5. Crowd-pleaser – universally loved by kids, adults, and guests.

Recipe Details

• Course: Dessert / Snack / Breakfast Treat
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 10 slices (1 loaf)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Calories: ~210 per slice

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for a sweeter version)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
2. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

1. If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

• Slice and enjoy plain for breakfast or a snack.
• Toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash more easily.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures the loaf stays tender.
• Tent with foil during baking if the top is browning too quickly.
• Add a sprinkle of raw sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

Variations

1. Nutty Banana Bread – Add 1 cup toasted walnuts or pecans.
2. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Stir in ½–1 cup chocolate chips.
3. Healthier Version – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and swap butter for coconut oil.
4. Banana Nutella Swirl Bread – Add spoonfuls of Nutella into batter and swirl before baking.
5. Banana Coconut Bread – Add shredded coconut and a dash of nutmeg.
6. Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well up to 1 week (wrapped tightly).
• Freezer: Wrap loaf or slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

This Classic Homemade Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that delivers moist, tender, and flavorful results every time. It’s easy, resourceful, and endlessly adaptable, making it the ultimate go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy it plain, with nuts, or loaded with chocolate chips, banana bread is the perfect way to bring comfort and sweetness into your kitchen.

Print Recipe

Classic Homemade Banana Bread

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Calories: 210 per slice

Description

There’s something truly comforting about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven—it’s warm, sweet, and instantly inviting. Classic Homemade Banana Bread is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for a sweeter version)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Step 4: Add Mix-Ins: If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keywords: Classic Homemade Banana Bread