Easy Banana Bread
This easy, classic banana bread is made with ripe bananas, baking into a moist loaf enhanced with a light cinnamon note. Customize with walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed) Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor.
- 1/3 cup salted butter (melted) Melted butter combines more evenly with room temperature egg.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar.
- 1 large egg (beaten) Room-temperature eggs mix better.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a light spice note.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Do not overmix once you add flour; mix until just combined.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or chocolate chips) Extra for topping if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5x4.5-inch loaf pan or spray with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir well with a large wooden spoon.
- Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the banana mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add flour and walnuts or chocolate chips (if desired), and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Baking
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slice into 10 thick slices and serve.
Notes
Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Top with butter, honey, or cream cheese. Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days at room temperature, or in the fridge for up to a week. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in a toaster oven. Can customize with flavor twists like adding chocolate chips or pecans.