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The Only Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Banana Bread

This moist and flavorful banana bread is a comforting quick bread made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional toasted nuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, with a tender crumb and rich banana flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
  3. Stir in the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
  • Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking for a more even crumb.
  • Wrap and store at room temperature for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.