Name: Best Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups); ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

If you're dreaming of a loaf that's unbelievably moist, bursting with banana flavor, and so easy to whip up, this is the Best Banana Bread Recipe you'll ever try! Each fluffy, golden-brown slice is packed with sweet, caramelized banana notes and just the right touch of comforting warmth from vanilla and cinnamon.

My go-to recipe for years, it never fails to deliver a soft crumb, a dreamy aroma, and a nostalgia-filled taste that wins over everyone-kids and adults alike. You can bake this all in one bowl with pantry staples and a few spotty bananas, making it a real superstar for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

It's perfect for busy mornings, a cozy brunch, or having something homemade and special to share at your next coffee catch-up. Trust me, this is the only banana bread recipe you'll ever need!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Impossibly moist and tender with every single bite
Perfect way to use up those ripe bananas on your counter
Foolproof and easy-no mixer required
Delicious flavor with just the right amount of sweetness
Freezes beautifully for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks

Key Ingredients for Best Banana Bread Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ripe Bananas

The secret to rich banana flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture! Use bananas with plenty of brown spots-they're extra sweet and mash easily. You can even use overripe bananas after freezing; just thaw and drain excess liquid. If you're craving banana bread but only have yellow bananas, ripen them quickly in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds unbeatable moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar-dark gives a slightly richer taste. No brown sugar? Substitute with white sugar, but know you'll miss a bit of that classic flavor.

Melted Butter

Butter keeps the bread ultra-moist and gives it a rich, bakery-worthy finish. Use unsalted for better control over saltiness. If you prefer, swap in coconut oil or a neutral oil for a dairy-free version-it works beautifully!

All-Purpose Flour

Regular all-purpose flour gives the loaf great structure while keeping each bite soft and tender. If you'd like a slightly heartier loaf, you can replace up to half with whole wheat flour, though the bread will be a bit denser and nuttier.

Cinnamon

A hint of cinnamon rounds out the sweetness and brings cozy warmth to every slice. Love spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a fun twist. Not a big fan? Simply leave it out for a classic flavor profile.

Best Banana Bread Recipe cooking process

Instructions for Best Banana Bread Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Get things ready by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment for easy release.

Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your bananas until smooth with just a few small lumps left. This releases the natural sugars and creates that signature moist crumb.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is combined and the mixture is creamy.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold together with a spatula, mixing until just combined-don't overmix or your bread might be dense!

Stir in Extras

If you're adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Avoid stirring too much; just enough to distribute evenly.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top, then bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice with a serrated knife and enjoy-warm is best!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap in your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free baking flour for regular flour. The crumb will be a little more tender, but the bread will still be sensationally moist and delicious.

Vegan Banana Bread

Replace butter with melted coconut oil and swap the eggs for flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water). It's plant-based and still full of flavor!

Nutty Banana Bread

Add chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios instead of walnuts. Each nut brings its unique crunch and richness-stir about ½ cup into your batter.

Chocolate Banana Bread

Mix a heaping ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for an extra-decadent treat. You'll get gooey bursts of chocolate in every bite!

Lower Sugar Option

Cut the brown sugar back to ½ cup for a loaf that's still naturally sweet from the bananas, making it perfect for breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is delicious on its own, but for a special touch, serve slices slightly warm with a spread of salted butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Pair with fresh berries and a mug of coffee or tea for a complete breakfast or afternoon snack. For dessert, try a thin spread of nut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top!

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover banana bread cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 6 days. For longer storage, freeze whole or sliced, wrapped well, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm briefly in the microwave or toaster oven for that just-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Banana Bread Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this banana bread?

A: Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.

Q: Do I have to use brown sugar, or can I substitute with white sugar?

A: Brown sugar provides extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, but you can use white sugar in a pinch-the bread will still be tasty, just a bit lighter in flavor.

Q: Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

A: This can happen if the bread is underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and stir the batter only until just combined.

We hope you love this Best Banana Bread Recipe as much as our family does! It's the ultimate comfort bake-simple, flavorful, and loved by all. Give it a try, then leave a comment or rating below to share how it turned out for you. Happy baking!