Name: Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving the ultimate comfort food, Classic Homemade Banana Bread is one recipe you have to keep handy. This is the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of caramelized bananas and melts in your mouth with each buttery, sweet, and slightly nutty bite. Whether you enjoy a thick slice for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even a late-night treat, this banana bread is the epitome of cozy, no-fuss baking. Fluffy yet moist, golden on the edges, and brimming with nostalgic flavor, it’s a reliable favorite that tastes like a warm hug.

Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic Homemade Banana Bread is that it relies on simple, everyday pantry staples that blend together perfectly to create a flavorful and irresistibly tender loaf. Each ingredient has an important role, from ensuring the perfect crumb to amplifying the banana flavor you love.

Ripe bananas: The riper the better! Bananas with plenty of brown spots add unmatched sweetness and a moist texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and keeps the loaf tender all the way through.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create that beautifully golden crust.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs bind the batter, giving structure and an even crumb.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the banana and makes everything smell like home.
All-purpose flour: The classic choice for just the right amount of structure, without making the bread dense.
Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise and develop that perfect dome top.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (optional): A pinch of warmth, perfect if you like your banana bread with a cozy, spiced note.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty undertones, fold some in or sprinkle on top.

How to Make Classic Homemade Banana Bread

Step 1: Get Prepared

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You want your oven hot and ready so the batter bakes up perfectly and doesn’t sit around too long after mixing.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas and melted butter together until they’re wonderfully smooth and combined. Then stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a silky, golden mixture that hints at how moist your finished bread will be.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Mixing these separately helps the leavening agents and spices distribute evenly, so your banana bread rises and flavors blend all the way through.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your banana mixture. Gently stir until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing so your loaf stays soft and tender, not tough.

Step 5: Add-Ins and Pour

Fold in the chopped nuts if you like a bit of crunch. If not, no worries! Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top. A spoonful reserved to lick? Highly recommended.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The anticipation is real!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out onto a wire rack. This gives the crumb time to set and makes sure you don’t slice too soon (though we admit, stealing a warm end piece is the baker’s reward!).

How to Serve Classic Homemade Banana Bread

Garnishes

The beauty of Classic Homemade Banana Bread is that it’s fantastic on its own, but a few toppings can elevate it further. Try a light spread of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream cheese for an extra treat. Sliced bananas or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. For a brunch platter, serve it alongside fresh berries, yogurt, or a fruit salad to keep things bright and refreshing. The subtle sweetness makes it a lovely afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk or even lightly toasted and paired with nut butter.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Classic Homemade Banana Bread beyond the loaf by slicing and grilling pieces for a fancy French toast. Turn leftovers into croutons for yogurt parfaits, or cube and layer with whipped cream and berries for a playful trifle. Swirl in a handful of chocolate chips or top with a caramel glaze for a party-ready twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in the moisture. Store it at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a slightly longer shelf life—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze Classic Homemade Banana Bread whole or in individual slices. Wrap it well, then tuck into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to three months and is perfect for dealing with extra-ripe bananas any time of year.

Reheating

To regain that freshly-baked magic, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, or pop them in a low oven until warmed through. Toasting thick slices also brings out the banana aroma and gives a lovely, crispy edge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Classic Homemade Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They work just as well and prevent food waste.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can bake the batter in a muffin tin (reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes) or even a cake pan. Just check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I make my banana bread extra moist?

Use bananas that are super ripe and don’t skip the melted butter. For even more moisture, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.

Can I add mix-ins to Classic Homemade Banana Bread?

Definitely! Stir in chocolate chips, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique spin. Just keep total add-ins to 1 cup so the loaf bakes evenly.

How do I keep my banana bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your loaf pan well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Let the bread cool slightly before turning it out to prevent breaking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof favorite, give Classic Homemade Banana Bread a place in your kitchen. It’s the ultimate cozy bake that’s perfect for sharing—or hoarding all to yourself! Grab those ripe bananas, and treat yourself to a slice of comfort you’ll crave again and again.

Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic homemade banana bread recipe that is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe yields a delicious loaf perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a comforting treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas and melted butter until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
Add nuts: Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.