You know those sad, brown bananas sitting on your counter? They’re about to become something magical! My easy banana bread recipe has been my go-to solution for overripe bananas since college when my roommate and I would bake loaves nearly every Sunday. The smell alone transports me back to that tiny apartment kitchen filled with laughter and the warm scent of cinnamon.
What makes this recipe special? It’s seriously foolproof – just one bowl, simple ingredients you probably have already, and that perfect moist texture that keeps people coming back for “just one more slice.” Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this easy banana bread recipe delivers comfort in every bite. The best part? Those speckled bananas that look past their prime actually make the sweetest, most flavorful bread. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never let good bananas go to waste again!
Ingredients for Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients – you likely have most in your pantry already! The key is using very ripe bananas (those almost-black ones work best) for maximum sweetness and moisture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – fresh for best rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (I leave mine out for 30 minutes)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – dark adds richer flavor
- 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature blends better)
- 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
Pro tip: Measure your bananas after mashing – I always keep extra mashed bananas in the freezer for moments like this!
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe
This is where the magic happens! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these simple steps guarantee perfect banana bread every time. Just follow along – I’ll walk you through each part so you know exactly what to expect.
Preparing the Batter
First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab that 9×5 inch loaf pan and give it a quick grease with butter or non-stick spray. Trust me, you don’t want your beautiful bread sticking!
Now for the fun part: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I use a hand mixer, but a sturdy spoon works too – just put some muscle into it! Add the beaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in those gloriously mashed bananas – the riper they are, the easier they’ll blend in.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Here’s my secret: gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. I mean it – stop mixing when you no longer see flour streaks. Overmixing makes tough banana bread, and we want tender!
Baking and Cooling
Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the center rack of your preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, start checking – ovens vary! The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Here’s the hardest part: let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. I know it smells amazing, but this patience prevents crumbling. The bread continues to set as it cools – resist cutting for at least 30 minutes if you can! The wait makes that first warm slice even more rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Bread Recipe
This isn’t just any banana bread – it’s the kind that’ll make you want to bake it again and again. Here’s why it’s my absolute favorite:
- Foolproof for beginners – No fancy techniques, just simple steps that anyone can follow with basic kitchen tools
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – Flour, sugar, eggs, and those sad bananas you were about to toss? That’s basically the whole recipe!
- Moist for days – The perfect balance of butter and bananas means it stays delicious even after sitting on the counter
- Endlessly customizable – Throw in chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in some Nutella if you’re feeling fancy
Seriously, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking rock star with minimal effort. The compliments you’ll get? Just a happy bonus!
Tips for Perfect Easy Banana Bread
Want that bakery-quality banana bread every single time? These little tricks make all the difference in turning good banana bread into great banana bread:
- Banana ripeness is key – Those almost-black bananas might look scary, but they’re packed with natural sweetness and moisture. No ripe bananas? Try roasting unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 30 minutes to caramelize their sugars.
- Room temp ingredients blend better – Take eggs and butter out about 30 minutes before baking. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate as smoothly and can lead to dense bread.
- Check early for doneness – Start testing at 50 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! Overbaking dries it out.
- Keep that oven door closed – I know it’s tempting, but frequent peeking causes temperature drops that can make your bread sink in the middle.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be amazed at how professional your banana bread turns out – crusty on top, tender inside, with that perfect banana flavor we all crave!
Variations for Your Easy Banana Bread Recipe
The beauty of this easy banana bread? It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch! Here are my favorite ways to jazz it up:
- Chocolate chip bliss – Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chips (because let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better)
- Crunchy walnut twist – Add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted first for maximum flavor
- Cozy cinnamon swirl – Mix 1 tbsp cinnamon with 2 tbsp sugar and layer it through the batter
- Peanut butter pockets – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto the batter and swirl with a knife before baking
My college roommate always swore by adding a handful of shredded coconut – turns out she was onto something genius!
Storing and Reheating
This banana bread stays amazingly moist if you store it right! I wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil – it’ll keep perfectly at room temperature for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer (though in my house, it never lasts that long!), you can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Just double-wrap in plastic and pop it in a freezer bag. When the craving hits, I love reheating slices in the toaster oven for about 5 minutes – it brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and makes the kitchen smell amazing all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice! (Remember, these are estimates – your actual results might vary slightly based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 196
- Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 3g
Not bad for something that tastes like pure comfort, right? The bananas add natural sweetness and nutrients too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this easy banana bread recipe. Here are the ones that pop up most often (and my tried-and-true answers!):
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just thaw them first in a bowl (they’ll be super mushy – perfect!). Save the liquid that drains off – it’s packed with banana flavor. I often freeze bananas when they’re at their peak ripeness just for this recipe!
Can I reduce the sugar? You can cut it by 1/4 cup, but know the texture will be denser. The sugar isn’t just for sweetness – it helps create that lovely tender crumb we all love.
Why did my bread sink in the middle? Oh no! Usually this means one of two things: either you opened the oven door too early (let it set for at least 45 minutes!) or the batter was overmixed. Next time, remember – gentle folds, not vigorous stirring!
Can I make this gluten-free? I’ve had great results using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture is slightly different but still delicious. Just be extra careful not to overmix the batter.
How do I know when it’s really done? That toothpick test is gold! No wet batter should cling to it – a few moist crumbs are perfect. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
There you have it – my foolproof, easy banana bread recipe that turns those forgotten bananas into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that first warm, fragrant slice straight from your own oven. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own creative twist, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen just like it’s been in mine. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your results, favorite variations, or any clever tricks you discover along the way. Happy baking!
Print
2-Ingredient Easy Banana Bread Recipe That Will Wow You
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious banana bread recipe perfect for using overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended.
- Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 167mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Keywords: easy banana bread, simple banana bread, quick banana bread recipe
