It’s funny how one whiff of something baking can take you right back to a specific time and place. For me, the smell of banana bread instantly transports me to my grandma’s kitchen, where a loaf was always cooling on the counter. She had a way of making everything feel warm and comforting, and her banana bread was no exception.

Grandma’s secret wasn’t a fancy ingredient or complicated technique. It was all about using simple, quality ingredients and infusing them with love. She taught me that the best meals are the ones made with your heart, and that’s something I try to bring to my kitchen every day.

This banana bread recipe is my take on Grandma’s classic, tweaked to my family’s preferences and packed with a few flavor-building secrets I’ve picked up over the years. It’s moist, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. It’s the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, and it fills the house with an aroma that’s guaranteed to bring everyone together.

My goal with this recipe is to give you the confidence to create a banana bread that your family will cherish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! Fellow flavor seekers, this banana bread is about to become a family tradition.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a loaf of this amazing banana bread. Trust me, this banana bread ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour: For the best texture in your banana bread, I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This gives the banana bread a light and airy texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the banana bread.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this banana bread at your local farmer’s market or co-op!
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
2 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
1 cup (about 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavorful and moist your banana bread will be.
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): My family loves when I add this extra touch to our easy banana bread!

This banana bread proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. For the spices, I always go to a local spice shop.

Let’s Create This Together!

Ready to bake some banana bread? Here’s how to bring it all together, step by step.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This helps the banana bread release easily after baking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb in your banana bread.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix well. At this point, the mixture will start to come together.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough banana bread. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my banana bread – learn from my experience!
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! Don’t be surprised if your banana bread develops a crack on top – that’s perfectly normal!
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your banana bread should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now.
Slice and serve. While your banana bread is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!

In my kitchen, this flavorful banana bread typically takes about an hour from start to finish, including baking time. The perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!

How We Love to Enjoy This!

This banana bread is a staple in our house, and we’ve found so many ways to enjoy it. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic banana bread appears with a pat of butter.

Classic Slice: Warm, with a smear of butter or cream cheese. Simple and satisfying!
Toasted Treat: A toasted slice with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Sweet Sandwich: Banana bread French toast with a side of fresh berries.
Dessert Delight: Cubed and layered in a trifle with vanilla pudding and whipped cream.
Snack Attack: Perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Party Platter: Sliced and arranged on a platter with other baked goods for a brunch gathering.

This banana bread is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! I like to add a dollop of Greek yogurt.

For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg in the fall, or some chopped cranberries and orange zest during the holidays. If you’re looking for another delicious way to use ripe bananas, you might like my Protein Banana Bread, so make sure you check that out!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions about making the perfect banana bread? I’m here to help!

Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas? You can ripen bananas quickly by baking them in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn black.
Does this banana bread really satisfy hearty appetites? It sure does! The moist texture and rich flavor make it a filling and satisfying snack or dessert.
Can I add chocolate chips? Of course! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to this banana bread. For a double dose of chocolate, be sure to check out my Double Chocolate Banana Bread.
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their banana bread? You can reduce the amount of sugar or spices to suit their taste.
How can I prepare this banana bread ahead for busy weeks? Bake it a day or two in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
Is it possible to add zucchini to my banana bread? Yes, for added nutrition and moisture, add grated zucchini to the recipe. Be sure to try my Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread for more ideas.
How do I store banana bread? You can follow the simple recipe from Banana Bread Recipe (With Video). You can also enjoy a moist version of banana bread thanks to Moist Banana Bread Recipe (VIDEO) – NatashasKitchen.com. Or you can visit Banana Banana Bread Recipe (with Video) for video tutorials.

My family loves this banana bread, and I hope yours will too! I’m sure you will find the best tips and tricks to prepare this easy banana bread.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This banana bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to bring your family together with the comforting aroma of home-baked goodness. It fits perfectly into my philosophy of creating authentic, flavorful meals that nourish both body and soul.

Here are a few of My banana bread Flavor Secrets:

Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough banana bread. Mix until just combined.
Add a touch of spice: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a warm and inviting flavor.

My family loves this banana bread in so many different ways! My son loves it with chocolate chips, while my daughter prefers it with walnuts. And my husband always asks for a slice with a smear of peanut butter.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Experiment with different spices, nuts, or dried fruits to create a simple banana bread that your family will love.

Whether you serve it warm from the oven or enjoy it as a midday snack, I hope this banana bread brings joy and connection to your kitchen. Remember, the most important ingredient is love. Happy baking, fellow flavor seekers! May your family enjoy this authentic banana bread as much as mine does.

banana bread

Print Recipe

This moist and delicious banana bread is a comforting classic. Made with ripe bananas, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter.