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Bake the best banana bread ever with this easy, moist, and flavorful recipe! A classic homemade favorite perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Introduction to Homemade Banana Bread
Few things bring comfort like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s warm, nostalgic, and deliciously simple — the kind of recipe that turns overripe bananas into pure comfort food.
This moist and fluffy banana bread comes together in one bowl and uses basic pantry ingredients, making it the perfect treat for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or a sweet afternoon snack. Whether you’re baking for family or just for yourself, this loaf delivers rich banana flavor and the perfect tender crumb every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the ultimate homemade banana bread, gather the following ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Batter
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3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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½ cup chocolate chips
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½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth
Tip: Overripe bananas with brown spots make the sweetest, most flavorful bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
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Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract — mix until fully incorporated.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are fine!
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Add extras: Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon if desired.
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Pour into pan: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it:
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Warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey
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Toasted and topped with cream cheese
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Alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea
It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Tips & Variations
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For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
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Want to make banana muffins? Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes instead.
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For a healthier twist, replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
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Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking for a beautiful golden crunch.
Storage & Freezing Tips
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Room temperature: Store wrapped in plastic or foil for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
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Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Why is my banana bread dry?
You may have overbaked it or added too much flour. Always measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
Can I make this without butter?
Absolutely. Substitute with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This easy homemade banana bread is moist, tender, and packed with irresistible banana flavor — the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas and makes your home smell incredible while it bakes.
So grab those spotted bananas on your counter and start baking — because nothing says comfort quite like a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven.
