There’s nothing cozier than the sweet aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This banana bread recipe delivers a perfectly tender crumb, rich banana flavor, and a golden-brown crust every time. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing bake, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk through the why, the how, and even some fun twists to make your loaf uniquely yours.

Why This Banana Bread Recipe Works

  • Ripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor: Overripe bananas (speckled or almost black) bring intense sweetness and moisture.

  • Balanced Wet-to-Dry Ratio: A classic ratio of mashed bananas, eggs, and oil or butter ensures a tender crumb without sogginess.

  • Simple Pantry Staples: Flour, sugar, a touch of salt, and baking soda are all you need—no fancy ingredients required.

  • Optional Add-Ins for Texture and Fun: Nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit turn a humble loaf into a flavor adventure.

Ingredients You Need

  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • ⅔ cup (150 ml) neutral oil (canola, vegetable) or melted unsalted butter

  • 3 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Mix-Ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

  3. Whisk Sugars & Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla until just combined—don’t overmix.

  4. Incorporate Bananas: Fold mashed bananas into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, scraping the bowl’s sides to ensure no pockets of flour remain.

  5. Gentle Folding: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two additions. Fold gently until you see just a few streaks of flour—overmixing leads to toughness.

  6. Stir in Mix-Ins: If you’re adding nuts or chips, gently fold them in now for even distribution.

  7. Bake & Test: Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake 55–65 minutes, rotating halfway through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  8. Cool & Release: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack to lock in moisture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

  • Banana Ripeness: Aim for at least three bananas with brown spots—fully brown bananas yield maximum sweetness and moisture.

  • Room-Temp Eggs: They emulsify better, giving a cohesive batter.

  • Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the bread cool fully allows the crumb to set, making slicing neater.

  • Flavor Boost: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder intensifies overall flavor without being overpowering.

Variations and Mix-Ins

  • Nutty Crunch: Swap walnuts for pecans or macadamia nuts for a buttery twist.

  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add ¾ cup dark or milk chocolate chips; sprinkle a few on top before baking.

  • Tropical Escape: Fold in ¼ cup shredded coconut and ¼ cup chopped dried pineapple.

  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; add an extra tablespoon of liquid if batter seems dry.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

  • Room Temperature: Wrap cooled loaf in plastic or beeswax wrap; it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Slice the bread, then freeze slices in a zip-lock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.

  • Serving Ideas: Top slices with creamy ricotta and a drizzle of honey, or spread a generous layer of almond butter for a protein boost.

This banana bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. It’s forgiving, customizable, and delicious warm or cold. Next time those bananas turn brown and soft, you’ll know exactly how to transform them into a loaf that disappears before it’s even cool.

Hungry for more? Explore our vegan banana bread swaps, discover a crowd-favorite pumpkin bread recipe, or learn the secrets to bakery-style muffins—all in our baking guide hub!