This homemade banana bread is soft, sweet, and packed with flavor! It uses ripe bananas, which make it naturally sweet and super moist—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Making this banana bread is as easy as pie—well, even easier! I love to add a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate chips on top because who can say no to that? 🍌🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness makes the bread delicious. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place unripe ones in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up ripening.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but I sometimes use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You could also use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you prefer. Just remember that it may slightly change the sweetness level.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the recipe balanced. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It’ll still come out moist and tasty!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor, but you can skip them or replace them with chocolate chips, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
The key to moist banana bread is to avoid overmixing when adding the flour. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine wet ingredients first, then add the flour.
- Mix just until no dry flour is visible. Small lumps are okay!
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking—this helps with fluffiness!
Don’t forget to check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Take your time with these steps for a delightful loaf!
Easy Homemade Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper will keep your banana bread from sticking. Get that oven nice and warm while you mix the batter!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir them together until they are well blended. This creates the sweet base for your banana bread!
3. Add the Sugar and Flavor:
Next, pour in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until nicely combined. You’re making delicious magic happen!
4. Incorporate the Flour:
Now, add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are totally fine! This keeps your banana bread light and fluffy.
5. Fold in the Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you love chocolate, feel free to swap in some chocolate chips instead!
6. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. For a fun touch, sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top before baking. It’ll look great and taste even better!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re all set!
8. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set perfectly!
9. Slice and Enjoy:
When your banana bread is cool, grab a knife and slice it up. Enjoy it fresh with a pat of butter or just on its own. It’s a tasty treat any time of the day!
FAQ about Easy Homemade Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the bananas completely before mashing them. You can defrost them in the fridge, or if you’re in a hurry, place them in a bowl of warm water for faster thawing. This will keep your banana bread just as delicious!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Keep in mind that it might make the bread denser, so you may want to use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to get the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before enjoying it again!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon can be great additions. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar slightly if adding sweeter ingredients like chocolate or dried fruit.
