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    Home » Best Banana Bread Recipe

    Best Banana Bread Recipe

    Published: Mar 31, 2019 · Modified: Feb 20, 2023 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best banana bread recipe ever! It is easy to make, moist and bursting with banana flavor! It's made in one bowl (no mixer required). You can add walnuts or chocolate chips for delicious variations! A great recipe to use overripe bananas!

    Overhead view of a loaf of banana bread with three slices cut out of it laying flat on a plate

     I'm a firm believer that everyone needs an amazing banana bread recipe in their repertoire! So today I'm sharing our family's favorite, go-to recipe for the best banana bread ever! It's buttery, moist, and loaded with banana flavor. Plus it's easy to make and most definitely the best way to use overripe bananas!

    It took me many years and lots of testing and tweaking to finally arrive at this banana bread recipe and feel like I can truly claim that it is the best of the best. It only takes a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes to make, and I promise you will LOVE it as much as we do!

    Front view of a loaf of a banana bread on a serving plate with three slices cut out of it

    The Best Banana Bread: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    Let's take a minute to chat about the ingredients used in this best banana bread recipe, and possible substitutions. Remember, the quality of ingredients used in a recipe will determine the quality of the final product!

    overhead view of the ingredients in this Banana Bread Recipe
    • Overripe Bananas. Buy some extra bananas and let them get extra brown just to make this recipe! If you use yellow/green bananas (which are seen in the photograph below, but are only for show, the mashed bananas were super brown and therefore not very photogenic), your bread will lack moisture and sweetness.  
    • Butter. I always bake with salted butter, however unsalted butter works equally well in this banana bread recipe. You can substitute up to half of the butter (¼ cup) with canola oil or even applesauce if you would like. I tested all of these substitutions, but I found that using ½ cup melted butter makes the absolute best banana bread! For a dairy-free version use vegan butter (like Earth Balance), ghee or coconut oil (however coconut oil will leave the bread with a little coconut flavor)! 
    • Granulated sugar. I use organic cane sugar or regular white sugar.
    • Brown Sugar. This recipe calls for light brown sugar, but if you want a little more molasses flavor you may use dark brown sugar instead! 
    • All-purpose flour. For the best results I recommend using all-purpose flour. However bread flour also works well in this banana bread recipe. You could substitute up to ¾ cup of the flour with whole wheat pastry flour...but it will change the final product slightly. For a gluten-free version, use 1:1 all purpose gluten-free baking flour. 

    Looking for a healthier banana bread recipe? Then try my beloved Paleo Banana Bread or this Double Chocolate Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread! This healthy banana bread is so good! This classic pumpkin bread is another favorite quick bread of ours too!

    Overhead view of a loaf of banana bread with three slices cut out of it laying flat on a plate

    How to make banana bread

    This banana bread recipe is easy to make, but lets walk through the process step-by-step so that you all end up with perfect banana bread every single time! And don't forget to watch the video.

    Mash the bananas

    The very first step in this banana bread recipe is to mash the bananas.

    Add the whole bananas to a large mixing bowl and use a fork or a potato masher to mash them!  I have had this potato masher for over a decade, and it's the only way I ever mash anything (bananas, potatoes, beans, etc). I love it! 

    Overhead view of a hand mashing bananas with a potato masher in a glass mixing bowl to make banana bread

    Combine wet ingredients

    Next, mix the wet ingredients together. Be sure the butter is melted and the eggs are room temperature for the best results! 

    To quickly make a cold egg room temperature, simply submerge the egg in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes!

    overhead photo showing how make banana bread - adding wet ingredients

    Add sugars

    I always recommend adding sugar to the wet ingredients before adding the dry ingredients. Especially in recipes, like this easy banana bread, that are mixed by hand. 

    Stir the mixture thoroughly until you are certain the sugar is dissolved and there are no lumps. 

    overhead photo showing how make banana bread - adding sugars

    Add dry ingredients

    The next step in this banana bread recipe is adding the dry ingredients. You can mix them together in a separate bowl and then add them to the wet ingredients, however that just makes one more dish to clean! So I usually just add the dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir them a little bit on the surface before combining the two! 

    overhead photo showing how make banana bread - adding dry ingredients

    Stir

    Be sure to stir all the ingredients together until you are certain there are no clumps of dry ingredients hiding in the banana bread batter! (This can be tricky because the mashed banana sometimes looks like clumps of flour)! We have done a less-than-perfect job of this in the past (especially when my kids are helping) and end up with flour clumps in the final product - no bueno. 

    Mix ins

    If you want to add some mix-ins to this banana bread recipe, this is the place in the process when you would do that.  You can add up to 1 cup of the following:

    • Chocolate Chips 
    • Walnuts
    • Pecans
    • Cinnamon chips
    • White chocolate chips
    • Blueberries
    • Dried fruit (cranberries, rasins, etc.)
    • Swirl of peanut butter or Nutella 
    overhead photo showing how make banana bread - final batter

    Pour batter into pan & bake!

    Next pour your well-mixed batter into a greased loaf pan! Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan. Then pop the pan into the preheated oven and wait! 

    Note: It's very important to grease your loaf pan well to ensure easy removal! I use a non-stick spray. However you can rub the sides with butter or shortening if desired! 

    overhead photo showing how make banana bread - pouring batter into a loaf pan

    Cool

    Let the banana bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure that the loaf doesn't tear or come apart when it's removed. 

    To remove the banana bread from the pan, take a knife or a thin spatula and gently separate the bread from the sides of the loaf pan. Shake the pan to see if you have released the sides. 

    Once the bread is released from the pan, turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling! 

    two overhead photos showing overhead photo showing how make banana bread - cooling

    To store/freeze

    Store this moist banana bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to ensure it does not dry out. If you plan on eating the entire loaf in a day or two, feel free to store it at room temperature. If it will take longer, I recommend storing this best banana bread in the refrigerator.

    I recommend freezing this banana bread in slices in an airtight container. That way you can pull out a slice at a time to enjoy.

    Overhead view of a loaf of banana bread with three slices cut out of it laying flat on a plate

    Serving suggestions

    Since this is absolutely the best banana bread ever, it stands on it's own beautifully and doesn't need anything extra to taste amazing! However, here are a few of our favorite toppings that we like to slather on our warm banana bread:

    • Peanut butter or any other nut/seed butter. Try making this homemade peanut butter,  vanilla peanut butter or vanilla almond butter!
    • Nutella
    • Jam
    • Slather it with this cinnamon honey butter!
    • Butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
    • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
    • A dollop of homemade whipped cream.
    overhead view of three slices of banana bread on a plate

    FAQs about Banana Bread

    Are my bananas ripe enough to make banana bread? 

    Make sure you use overripe, brown bananas! They have the best flavor, maximum sweetness, and are the easiest to mash! They should be very dark brown or almost black and soft to the touch! 

    What can I add to banana bread?

    If you're looking to add some mix-ins to this banana bread recipe, this is the place in the process when you would do that!  You can add up to 1 cup of the following with great results! 
    Chocolate Chips 
    Walnuts
    Pecans
    Cinnamon chips
    White chocolate chips
    Blueberries
    Dried fruit (cranberries, rasins, etc.)
    Swirl of peanut butter or Nutella 

    How do you know when banana bread is done? 

    This easy banana bread recipe is done when the following occurs: 
    The top is golden-brown and set (not jiggly). 
    The sides of the bread start to slightly pull away from the loaf pan. 
    A cake tester inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean or with very few crumbs. 
    Side note: I am obsessed with this cake tester. My mom bought it for me one Christmas and I honestly thought I would never use it....but I was SO wrong. I use it every time I bake and even purchased a second one! $6 well spent! 

    Can you freeze banana bread? 

    Yes. I recommend freezing this banana bread in slices in an airtight container! That way you can pull out a slice at a time to enjoy!

    How do you keep banana bread moist after baking? 

    The key to keeping this easy banana bread super moist after it has baked is storing it in an airtight container or ziploc bag as soon as it is cut into. Don't leave the cut loaf sitting out, exposed to the air, for longer than necessary! 

    overhead view of four slices of banana bread on a plate

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Banana Bread Recipe

    Laura
    This is the best banana bread recipe ever! It is easy to make, moist and bursting with banana flavor! It's made in one bowl (no mixer required). You can add walnuts or chocolate chips for delicious variations! A great recipe to use overripe bananas!
    4.95 from 38 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Cooling time 20 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
    Course bread, Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 slices
    Calories 276.7 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl
    • whisk
    • 9x5" loaf pan
    • cake tester

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 3 bananas (large, overripe - 1 ½ cups mashed)
    • ½ cup salted butter melted *
    • 2 eggs beaten
    • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup light brown sugar
    • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ½ tsp cinnamon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Grease a 9x5” loaf pan, set aside.
    • In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, mashed bananas, eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined.
    • Add granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until combined and the mixture is smooth.
    • Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon and stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform throughout.
    • Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the bread comes out with just some moist crumbs.
    • Cool in the baking pan on a wire rack for 1 hour.
    • Use a butter knife to release the sides of the bread from the pan if necessary.
    • Turn the bread out onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.

    Video

    Notes

    Store

    Store this banana bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to ensure it does not dry out. If you plan on eating the entire loaf in a day or two, feel free to store it at room temperature. If it will take longer, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator. 

    How to freeze banana bread:

    To freeze, individually wrap slices in plastic wrap an d store them in an airtight container. That way you can pull out a slice at a time to enjoy.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Overripe Bananas. Buy some extra bananas and let them get extra brown just to make this recipe.
    • Salted Butter. Unsalted butter, canola oil, coconut oil, ghee, vegan butter, etc. all work well in this recipe. You can substitute up to half of the butter (¼ cup) with canola oil or even applesauce if you would like.
    • Granulated sugar. I use pure cane sugar or regular white sugar.
    • Light Brown Sugar. If you want a little more molasses flavor you may use dark brown sugar instead.
    • All-purpose flour. For the best results I recommend using all-purpose flour. However bread flour also works well in this banana bread recipe. You could substitute up to ¾ cup of the flour with whole wheat pastry flour...but it will change the final product slightly. For a gluten-free version, use 1:1 all purpose gluten-free baking flour. 
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice (1/10 recipe)Calories: 276.7kcalCarbohydrates: 45.7gProtein: 3.8gFat: 10.3gSaturated Fat: 6.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.8gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 135.3mgPotassium: 186.4mgFiber: 1.6gSugar: 24.6gVitamin A: 370IUVitamin C: 4.3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1.2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More of our favorite breakfast & banana recipes: 

    We take breakfast seriously! Here are some of our most favorite breakfast recipes!

    • Who doesn't love french toast?! Our recipe is the best ever!
    • Try this healthy banana bread! It's delicious and no one can tell it's good for you!
    • These are literally the best banana muffins you will ever make or eat! Seriously the best.
    • This banana cake is better than Sara Lee and you have to make it asap!
    • These cinnamon rolls are to die for! Plus they can be made ahead!
    • I love a good quiche, like this crustless quiche or this quiche with a hash brown crust!
    • Other egg dishes like this frittata and egg casserole (egg bake) are easy and healthy!
    • If you love baked oatmeal try our pumpkin baked oatmeal, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, blueberry baked oatmeal, and everyone's favorite - peanut butter banana baked oatmeal. 
    • These mocha chocolate scones and these cinnamon chip scones are some of my all-time favorites. 
    • Everyone needs to try this BEST green smoothie recipe! And this strawberry banana smoothie and this chocolate peanut butter green smoothie!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tina

      May 27, 2020 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      So yummy!! My daughters, 3 & 2, adore this banana bread... so does Momma & Daddy! Delish!

      Reply
    2. Crishelle Lopez

      May 22, 2020 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe! The banana bread turned out super moist and delicious. I only put in 1/2 cup of brown sugar in terms of sugar and added chocolate chips.

      Reply
    3. Sheila

      May 19, 2020 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      Finding this recipe was the best thing to happen to me this week!
      Reminds me of my grandma’s.
      It is perfect. Moist, banana-y and golden brown.
      I did have to cook mine 10 min longer but I think it’s because I used an inch smaller loaf pan.
      Your tips & comments throughout recipe were so awesome!

      Reply
      • Laura

        May 20, 2020 at 7:26 am

        Thank you SO much Sheila! Your feedback means so much to me!

        Reply
    4. Veronica Smith

      April 29, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      Banana bread is one of my favorite things! I made this into muffins, and they came out with the perfect light, fluffy texture. I also subbed half the butter for peanut butter, doubled the cinnamon, and added chocolate chips. I think I'll soon do this recipe again and add some blueberries! I only have frozen ones, though. Should I coat them with flour before adding to the batter?

      Reply
    5. Kat

      April 20, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      I just baked a loaf and it is delicious! Nice and moist I will be making it again:)

      Reply
    6. Meredith P. Swan

      April 18, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Best ever! I added chopped pecans and dates. Love it! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    7. Vanessa

      March 28, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      This banana bread is so easy to make and so yummy! I made it as muffins because I have issues making bread 🤷🏼‍♀️ My two year old loved helping me make this yummy treat 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 29, 2020 at 2:36 pm

        I love that you and your two-year-old worked together!

        Reply
    8. Phyllis

      October 04, 2019 at 2:11 pm

      Is it ok to use frozen small smashed bananas

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 05, 2019 at 7:29 am

        Hello! Yes just be sure to thaw them before baking with them!

        Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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