Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (very soft, best for flavor)
- ½ cup (120g) melted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
Use very ripe bananas:
- Brown spots = more sweetness
Mash them in a bowl until smooth.
Some small lumps are okay.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl:
- Add melted butter to mashed bananas
- Mix well
Add:
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
- Mix flour, baking soda, salt
Add dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Mix gently until just combined.
Do NOT overmix.
Step 4: Add Extras (Optional)
Fold in:
- Nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
Step 5: Prepare Pan
Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Pour batter evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 50–60 minutes:
- Top becomes golden
- Toothpick comes out clean
Step 7: Cool
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer to rack to cool completely.
Texture and Flavor
This banana bread gives:
- Moist, soft crumb
- Slightly dense but fluffy texture
- Natural sweetness from bananas
- Light golden crust
Tips for Best Banana Bread
1. Use Overripe Bananas
The darker, the better.
2. Don’t Overmix
Keeps bread soft.
3. Check Baking Time
Ovens vary—test with toothpick.
4. Add a Banana on Top (Optional)
Slice banana lengthwise and place on top before baking for decoration.
Variations
1. Chocolate Banana Bread
Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
2. Healthy Version
Use honey instead of sugar.
3. Nutty Version
Add extra walnuts or almonds.
4. Marble Version
Mix chocolate batter swirl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Butter 🧈
- Honey 🍯
- Coffee ☕
Storage
- Room temperature: 3 days
- Fridge: up to 5 days
Freezing
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months
Reheating
- Microwave for 15–20 seconds
- Or warm in oven
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Using unripe bananas → less flavor
- ❌ Overmixing → dense texture
- ❌ Overbaking → dry bread
- ❌ Too much sugar → too sweet
Why This Recipe Works
- Bananas provide moisture and sweetness
- Butter adds richness
- Eggs give structure
- Baking soda helps rise
Final Thoughts
This classic banana bread is one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes you can make. It’s perfect for using leftover bananas and creating something delicious and comforting.
The soft texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients make it a go-to recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.