Banana Bread
This easy-to-make, moist banana bread uses just two ripe bananas to deliver a perfectly balanced treat that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this classic American quick bread is a great way to use up overripe bananas while filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Fork or potato masher
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas about 1 cup when mashed
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork (or potato masher) until mostly smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. (Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.) If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this point.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices)
- Category: Bread/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords
- Banana bread, quick bread, moist banana bread, 2-banana recipe, easy baking, breakfast treat, snack, dessert
- Nutrition (Per 1 Slice – Approximate Values)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and measurements.
Notes
Banana Tips: The riper (and even slightly overripe) your bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
Mix-Ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter.
Storage: Keep leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Health Adjustments: For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
Mix-Ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter.
Storage: Keep leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Health Adjustments: For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.