Banana Bread

It all started on a chilly morning when I spotted three very ripe bananas sitting on my counter and instead of tossing them I decided to make something cozy and sweet so I grabbed my mixing bowl and whipped up my first loaf of banana bread. The scent that filled my kitchen was so warm and nostalgic that I knew instantly this was going to be a regular tradition.

Since that day this banana bread has become my ultimate go-to recipe whenever I want to use up bananas or surprise someone with a homemade treat because it’s so simple and satisfying. Whether I serve it warm with butter or toasted the next day for breakfast it always brings comfort and smiles which is exactly what I love about this classic loaf.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Overripe bananas – Provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread
• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the batter and gives structure
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses depth
• Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and add richness
• Butter – Gives the bread a tender crumb and rich flavor
• Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor
• Cinnamon – Brings a cozy spice note that pairs perfectly with banana

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients
• Fork or potato masher – To mash the bananas into a smooth puree
• Whisk – Helps combine the ingredients evenly
• Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding the batter gently
• Loaf pan – The classic shape for baking banana bread
• Cooling rack – To help the bread cool evenly and avoid sogginess at the bottom

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the banana bread comes out easily.

Step 2:

In one bowl I mash the bananas until smooth with just a few tiny lumps for texture then I stir in the melted butter followed by the brown sugar eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 3:

In another bowl I whisk together the flour baking soda salt and cinnamon then I gradually add the dry mix into the banana mixture and gently fold it all together until just combined.

Step 4:

I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula then I sometimes add a few banana slices or a sprinkle of sugar on top for a little extra flair.

Step 5:

I bake it for about 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean then I let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special I recommend adding some toasted walnuts or chocolate chips. I also like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top after baking just for that extra burst of flavor! And if you want to make it dairy-free you can swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Ways to Serve

This banana bread is delicious on its own but I love serving it warm with a pat of butter or a smear of peanut butter for breakfast. It’s also great as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee and sometimes I even turn it into French toast slices for a weekend brunch treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes you can! I let it cool completely then wrap it tightly in plastic and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen bananas for this banana bread?

Absolutely! Just thaw them and drain off the excess liquid before using.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes just substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same amount and check that your baking soda is gluten-free too.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this banana bread a try! It’s one of my favorites and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me and if you loved this recipe don’t forget to pin it to your favorite holiday bread board to keep it handy for festive gatherings.

Happy Cooking!

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