Simple Banana Bread

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Ideas

This Simple Banana Bread recipe is a delightful way to use overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Cecilia Grant

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-30T17:33:34.356Z

This banana bread recipe has been a family favorite for generations. It's perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a few ingredients
  • Perfectly moist and flavorful
  • A great way to use up overripe bananas

The Beauty of Banana Bread

Banana bread is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a comfort food that evokes feelings of home and warmth. The aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen can transport you back to cherished memories. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast item, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe offers versatility that fits various occasions and palates.

What sets banana bread apart is its moist texture, which comes from the ripe bananas. These overripe fruits not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the overall richness of the bread. Each bite provides a subtle hint of banana flavor that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a quiet moment of indulgence.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This Simple Banana Bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply want a sweet treat for your family, this banana bread is sure to impress. It’s a delightful way to use up those overly ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste, making it an eco-friendly choice as well.

Moreover, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Want to add a touch of chocolate? Toss in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Prefer nuts? Chopped walnuts or pecans can elevate the texture and flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize your banana bread to your liking.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Once you've baked your banana bread, it’s important to know how to store it properly. To keep it fresh, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices or the whole loaf. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm slice, you can pop it in the microwave or toast it lightly. This way, you can indulge in that homemade goodness whenever a craving strikes!

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Simple Banana Bread

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Mix the ingredients well for the best flavor!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Combine Remaining Ingredients

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add the Flour

Stir in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen bananas are perfect for banana bread. Just thaw them completely and mash them before adding to the batter. They will add the same moisture and sweetness to your bread as fresh ones.

How do I know when my banana bread is done? To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it more time in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a delicious breakfast, try toasting a slice and spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on top. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For dessert, drizzle some chocolate sauce or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Additionally, consider pairing your banana bread with flavored spreads, such as almond butter or honey, to add an extra layer of flavor. You can even create a banana bread sandwich by adding your favorite nut butter and slices of banana for a filling snack.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup, but the texture may vary slightly.

Simple Banana Bread

This Simple Banana Bread recipe is a delightful way to use overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time70 minutes

Created by: Cecilia Grant

Recipe Type: Simple Baking Ideas

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Simple Banana Bread

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Step 03

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Step 04

Stir in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.

Step 06

Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g