Banana Bread Recipe

This easy banana bread recipe makes a moist loaf with TONS of banana flavor! You’re going to love this classic banana bread that’s perfect for all those over-ripe bananas!

Easy Homemade Banana Bread

Any recipe with bananas is pretty much a favorite in our house and banana bread is no exception. It’s the perfect snack, it’s great with coffee for breakfast and you could even call it dessert if you wanted.

As I was testing out this recipe, we had several loaves around the house. My parents came into town and we were ALL enjoying it. Not only are the hubs and I big banana fans – so is my dad. I thought there might be a throwdown over who got every last bite, but fortunately, I had made several loaves and there was plenty to go around.

And even though the twins don’t really eat baked goods much at this point, we did give them a few bites of this banana bread. They too love bananas and are always interested in whatever we are eating. So every morning they saw us with this banana bread, they waddled over with their little mouths wide open waiting for a bite. Such cuties!

This bread is so quick and easy to put together – it’s perfect for using up over-ripe bananas. Much like these Moist and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, this recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over for an easy banana recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy: Banana bread is one of those classic, simple recipes that everyone needs to have in their recipe box.
• It’s moist: There’s nothing like a warm slice of moist banana bread to make you feel all cozy. This loaf will hit all those notes and more.
• Tons of banana flavor: I love how this bread makes the flavor of ripe bananas shine! If you’re a banana lover then you’re going to love this recipe.

What You’ll Need

To make banana bread, you’ll need pretty straightforward ingredients. Here’s a quick overview with my notes. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

• Bananas – Naturally the first thing you need is bananas. I wanted to be sure there’s plenty of banana flavor, so this bread uses a full 2 cups of mashed bananas – about 4 large bananas. I like to mash them up with a muddler or potato masher, but you could also simply use a fork.
• Dry Ingredients – Next up are the dry ingredients. We are using regular all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a little salt. Combine them all and set them aside. I like using both baking powder and soda because I think it gives the bread a better texture. It makes such a nice, soft bread that holds moisture so well!
• Wet ingredients – Sour cream, eggs, and butter.
• Brown Sugar – I like how the brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor.
• Cinnamon & Vanilla – That little hint of cinnamon is just enough to compliment the banana flavor without taking over at all. The vanilla brings everything together.

Can I Turn This Recipe into Banana Nut Bread?

Yes! You can add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or shelled pecans.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips?

If you want to add chocolate, check out my chocolate chip banana bread recipe.

How to Make the Best Banana Bread

Ok, are you ready to make banana bread from scratch? Here’s how:

• Cream the butter and sugar: To your mixer, you’ll add butter and brown sugar. I used all brown sugar in this bread for both the added flavor and the benefit of moisture.
• Add the eggs & sour cream: Eggs are added next and add additional moisture and stability to the bread, as well as tenderness. The sour cream adds just a hint of flavor and more importantly, more moisture.
• Add bananas & vanilla: Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
• Add dry ingredients: Gently stir in the dry ingredients. You want to mix it all together until it’s just incorporated. Be sure not to over mix it or you’ll end up with a tough bread.
• Bake & Cool: Bake the bread for about an hour, then let it cool in the loaf pan. Serve it warm or at room temperature. The hubs loves warming it up and adding a little butter. I’ll eat it however it’s given to me, I just want to eat it. 🙂

Topping Ideas

You obviously don’t need to top your bread with anything. A plain slice of banana bread can really hit the spot!

But if I’m feeling fancy, sometime I’ll warm up a slice in the oven or microwave and then top it with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter. (Or both, why not?) When I can get my hands on it, slathering a slice with maple cream is also seriously good! You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bread along with some warm, melty butter. So good!

How to Store

If you’re a true banana bread connoisseur and you know it won’t last long. My family usually devours this bread in a day! But here is how to store it in case you want to make it last longer:

• Counter: You can store it in an air-tight container at room temperature for about 3 days.
• Fridge: You could also store in it the fridge in an airtight container for about a week.

Can I Freeze Banana Bread?

If you’d like to freeze your bread, you can freeze it either in loaf form or in slices. Slices are kind of nice because you can pull out one at a time.

Wrap the bread or slices in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Then place in an airtight, freezer-safe container. The bread will keep for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.

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More banana recipes to try:

Moist and Chewy Banana Cookies (perfect for over ripe bananas, too!)
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Banana Cream Cheesecake
Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes

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