Few things are as comforting as the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. This Best Banana Bread recipe is a true classic—soft, tender, and incredibly moist, with rich banana flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and turn them into something warm, sweet, and satisfying.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a simple dessert, this banana bread is reliable, easy to make, and loved by all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
Extremely moist texture, especially with extra bananas
Simple pantry ingredients
Perfect balance of sweetness and banana flavor
Keeps well and tastes even better the next day
This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 bananas, finely crushed (use 4 bananas for extra moist bread)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven
Remove any extra pots and pans from the oven. Preheat to 350°F (180°C).Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.Add wet ingredients
Mix in the beaten eggs and crushed bananas until well combined.Combine dry ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.Finish the batter
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla if using. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.Bake
Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Cool and store
Let cool slightly before slicing. Store refrigerated to keep fresh longer.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture.
Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
For variety, add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil near the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy banana bread warm with butter, toasted with a drizzle of honey, or plain with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a wonderful make-ahead breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots work best—they’re sweeter and mash easily.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense bread. Mix only until ingredients are combined.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture too much.
Best Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
1 Hour 10 Minutes
Servings
1 Loaf (8–10 Slices)
Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3–4 bananas, finely crushed
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.Step 2
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.Step 3
Add eggs and crushed bananas; mix well.Step 4
Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add to wet mixture with vanilla.Step 5
Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.Step 6
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 55 minutes.Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutritional values vary based on portion size and ingredients used. This information is approximate and not intended as medical advice.
