Description
Classic Homemade Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and optional nuts for added texture and taste. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make bread is packed with natural sweetness and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla: Stir in the granulated sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if using, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using, to add crunch and flavor.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for optimal natural sweetness and richer banana flavor.
- Banana bread can be stored at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, wrap the bread well and freeze; thaw before serving.
- Optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note; omit if preferred.
- Chopped nuts can be substituted or omitted based on preference or allergies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
