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banana bread recipe

Banana Bread Recipe

This easy banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and overripe bananas, it's a no-fail recipe that requires no mixer—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut for an extra treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 SLICES
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar you can also use white sugar, but brown gives a richer flavor
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter for a richer loaf
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with a bit of oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until mostly smooth. Some small lumps are okay—they add texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. Add the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix—this can make the banana bread dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
  1. If using walnuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, gently fold them into the batter now.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
  1. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!