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The World’s Best Banana Bread Recipe

The World's Best Banana Bread Recipe

4.7 from 20 reviews

This classic banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Using ripe bananas, warm melted butter, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Optional

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out easily after baking.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher to create a smooth base. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be.
  3. Add Butter and Sugar: Pour the warm, melted butter into the mashed bananas. Mix well, then add the granulated sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly lighter in color.
  4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a gentle folding motion. Mix just until no flour streaks remain to avoid a dense texture.
  7. Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
  8. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly with a spatula and tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and natural sweetness of your bread.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to prevent a tough bread.
  • Optional nuts add texture, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
  • Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • You can freeze the bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
  • Add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a tasty variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, moist banana bread, classic banana bread, homemade banana bread