Best Banana Bread Recipe is so easy to make and super soft and moist! The very best way to use up overripe bananas this bread is tender and packed full of flavor!
Since I have already shared with you my family's favorite Chocolate Chip Banana Bread it was time to give you my very best classic recipe as well! If you love all things banana, then make up these Banana Nut Muffins too, one bowl, so easy, so GOOD!
What Is The Best Banana Bread Recipe?
To make the very best banana bread that comes out super moist, it is important to start out with those ugly, overripe bananas! In the picture below you can see the bananas that I used for this recipe post. These bananas are just ripe enough to work with. They need to be a dark yellow with lots of browning. You can use bananas that are even darker than this! The riper the bananas, the more moist your bread will be and the more banana flavor it will have!
How Do You Keep Banana Bread Moist?
The best way to keep banana bread moist for days is to wrap it tightly! Once your bread is baked and cooled, I recommend wrapping tightly in plastic wrap. Then, take a second step and store it in a large zip top freezer bag or a plastic container with a tight fitting lid. Stored this way on the counter, your bread will last up to 3 days. If you'd like, you can store it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
How to Make Banana Bread:
This recipe makes one loaf of banana bread. The first step is to preheat your oven and prepare a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter.
- Next, take a large bowl as seen below and whisk together your dry ingredients. This will include the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl melt your butter in the microwave, then add in the bananas and mash until mostly smooth.
- Add your eggs and vanilla to your mashed banana mixer and use your fork to combine everything really well, until you no longer see any streaks of eggs.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together with a spatula just until combined. Don't overmix.
- Now, you are ready to pour your batter into your prepared pan and bake!
**NOTE: You can also mash your bananas with the melted butter in your stand mixer if preferred.
Can you Freeze Banana Bread?
Yes! If you'd like to freeze this then allow it to cool completely at room temperature on a plate or wire rack once it comes out of the oven. Once cool, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil. Freeze the bread for up to 2 months for best results.
To thaw the bread, remove from the freezer and allow it to come to room temperature, covered on the counter. This will take about 24 hours.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Best Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Stick (½ Cup) Butter
- 3 Large Ripe Bananas
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside.
- Add the stick of butter to a large bowl and microwave for 1 minute, or until melted.
- Add the bananas to the same bowl and mash with a fork.
- Add the vanilla extract and egg to the bowl and use the same fork to mash and stir until no yellow streaks of egg remain.
- In a second large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together with a spatula just until combined.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
I rarely make comments, but I had to make a comment on this one because I have a history of not liking banana bread. Not only do I really like this one A LOT, but I’m coming back to make it a second time, and will continue to do so. This says a lot because I bake so many different variations of bread for fun, and many neighbors of mine have even requested to buy my breads in bulk on several occasions. THIS banana bread recipe is a keeper! I’ve tried so so many, and finally in my 40’s, have found the one for me. Thank you!!
How come whenever I make banana bread it takes me twice as long to cook mine? I don’t get it!
This recipe is on repeat in our house, partly because I always seem to have 3 overripe bananas and partly because this is so yummy and easy. Thanks for the recipe!
Delicious! I added chopped walnuts and chocolate chips for something a little different, and hubby and daughter both love it. Thanks for the recipe.
Delicious! My picky kid, who typically hates bananas, loved it. The cup of sugar rendered a crunchy top without being too sweet. This was a big hit too. Thanks for the helpful notes along the way - melting the butter made this quick and easy. I used a potato masher to incorporate the butter and bananas, leaving me with a silky, non-lumpy mixture. Instructions didn't call for this, but I also sifted the flour. I had to bake mine a full hour for the center to completely cook, but it turned out great. I'd check after 45 minutes and keep checking until done. Honestly the best loaf I've ever made! Will definitely use more of your recipes.
The banana bread recipe is my grandchildren's favorite.
Easy to make and tastes wonderful!
Jan H
First time I made banana bread which was just a couple weeks ago, this is an amazing recipe! Now I’m making it for thanksgiving! Thank you!
This was my first time ever making banana bread. I chose this particular recipe based on the star reviews ~ and it was literally the BEST banana bread I have ever tasted! I don't cook or bake but I am a Foodie who appreciates the Best of the Best, and I followed the recipe exactly how it was. Perfect inside & out!
Is it used with salted or unsalted butter?
I used salted and it was fine. Most baking calls for unsalted, but I think you could use either on this one.
I’ve used salted and it tastes good