Banana bread is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, moist texture paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this simple yet delicious recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the use of ripe bananas and melted butter. The brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while the option to include walnuts or chocolate chips gives it a delightful crunch or extra richness. The addition of Greek yogurt, although optional, can make the bread even more moist and tender. It’s also a flexible recipe—whether you like it plain, spiced with cinnamon, or dotted with your favorite mix-ins, this banana bread has something for everyone.

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

3–4 Very ripe bananas – Mashed, about 1 ½ cups
½ cup Melted butter – Unsalted preferred
1 cup Brown sugar – Light or dark
2 Large eggs – Room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract – Pure
1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda
½ teaspoon Fine salt
½ cup Walnuts or chips – Optional
1 teaspoon Cinnamon – Optional
¼ cup Greek yogurt – Optional, for moisture boost

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks if you prefer some texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, mixing until smooth.
Fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional add-ins like walnuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8–10 slices.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking and cooling time)

Variations

Add-ins: Customize your banana bread with chocolate chips, walnuts, or other nuts like pecans or almonds. You can also try dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
Spiced Banana Bread: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also include a pinch of ground ginger for a spiced twist.
Healthy Version: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and swap the brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. Add chia or flax seeds for an extra boost of nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. It can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Slice and freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast in a toaster.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?

Yes, frozen bananas work well for banana bread. Just let them thaw, then mash them as you would fresh bananas.

Do I need to use ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are key to the flavor and moisture of banana bread. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacer. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

How do I make the banana bread extra moist?

Adding Greek yogurt or a bit of milk will increase the moisture in the banana bread. You can also ensure the bananas are very ripe for added natural moisture.

Can I use all-purpose flour for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Can I add chocolate chips to my banana bread?

Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great option. Simply fold in ½ cup to 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

How can I tell when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is done.

Can I make banana bread without brown sugar?

Yes, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar. However, using brown sugar contributes to the deep flavor and moisture of the bread.

How do I prevent banana bread from being too dense?

Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.

Can I add nuts to the banana bread?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or any nuts of your choice can be folded into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This banana bread is an easy and delicious way to use up ripe bananas, and it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins. Whether you prefer it plain, with nuts, or spiced with cinnamon, this recipe produces a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any time of day. Plus, it’s simple to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a bit of baking time to create something truly special.

Ezabella