Banana bread is a timeless classic, a comforting treat that fills homes with its warm, inviting aroma. For those who appreciate the satisfying blend of simplicity and deliciousness, mastering the perfect banana bread recipe is a must. This guide will walk you through creating an exceptional banana bread, drawing inspiration from well-loved recipes and techniques to ensure your loaf is moist, flavorful, and truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable and deliver outstanding results every time.
banana bread with teal header with title at the top
This Banana Bread Recipe prioritizes flavor and ease, using simple ingredients and a straightforward method that requires just 15 minutes of prep time by hand – no electric mixer needed! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for moist and flavorful banana bread.
sliced banana bread on cooling rack
This recipe stands out as the best banana bread recipe because of its carefully balanced ingredients and straightforward approach. After extensive testing and refinement, this recipe has emerged as a true winner, consistently delivering a moist, intensely flavorful banana bread that’s easily customizable to your preferences. It shares similarities with beloved recipes like carrot cake, known for their moistness and rich flavor, but with the unique charm of banana.
Feel free to personalize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a nutty crunch? Go ahead and toss in your favorite nuts. Craving a touch of chocolate? Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. For those who love both, a combination of nuts and chocolate chips works wonderfully in this versatile recipe.
This banana bread recipe is thoughtfully adapted from a highly-rated banana muffin recipe, which has garnered enthusiastic reviews. With just a few tweaks, it’s perfectly optimized for baking in a loaf pan, ensuring even baking and that classic banana bread shape. Serve warm slices with a dollop of honey butter for an extra touch of indulgence – because who can resist banana bread with butter? Prepare yourself for a slice of pure baked perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s become a favorite for banana bread enthusiasts. You’ll be thanking yourself later!
Key Ingredients for Pioneer-Worthy Banana Bread
three bananas, one partially unpeeled
This banana bread recipe prides itself on its simplicity, utilizing basic pantry staples to create something truly special:
- Overripe Bananas: The secret to exceptional banana bread lies in using bananas that are very ripe. Look for bananas with brown spots all over the peel; the riper they are, the more intense banana flavor and natural sweetness they will bring to your bread.
- Oil and Melted Butter: A combination of oil and melted butter is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Oil contributes to the bread’s moistness, while butter enhances its rich, buttery flavor. Make sure to melt the butter completely before incorporating it into the batter.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses a blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar for a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Brown sugar adds molasses notes, moisture, and a hint of caramel-like sweetness, complementing the granulated sugar which provides overall sweetness and structure. You can use light or dark brown sugar; dark brown sugar will result in a richer flavor, a slightly moister texture, and a darker loaf.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together, adding richness, and contributing to the bread’s structure. Large, extra-large, or jumbo eggs all work well in this recipe. Room temperature eggs are preferred as they emulsify more easily into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract and Salt: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. Salt is a crucial ingredient in baking as it balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient for achieving a tender and moist crumb. Its acidity also reacts with baking soda to provide lift. Real, full-fat buttermilk is ideal, but if you don’t have any on hand, a simple homemade buttermilk substitute using lemon juice or white vinegar and milk works perfectly.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the banana bread its light and airy texture. Baking powder is a complete leavening agent, while baking soda requires an acid (like buttermilk in this recipe) to activate.
Pioneer Tip: For an extra layer of flavor and a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the batter just before baking. This creates a slightly crunchy, sweet crust on top of your banana bread.
This ingredient overview highlights the purpose behind each component. For the detailed recipe with exact measurements and instructions, please continue scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Step-by-Step Guide to Banana Bread Perfection
batter in glass bowl
Making this exceptional banana bread is surprisingly easy, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to baking success:
- Mash the Bananas: Begin by mashing your ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. The riper the bananas, the easier they are to mash and the more flavor they will impart to your bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, oil, and melted butter until well combined. Then, incorporate the brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly acceptable at this stage. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense banana bread. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
- Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch bread pan. If desired, sprinkle the top of the batter generously with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be vigilant not to overbake, as this can dry out your banana bread. The bread should be beautifully golden brown when done.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. While slightly warm banana bread is undeniably delicious, allowing it to cool completely makes it easier to slice and enjoy.
Pioneer Tip: The key to a tender banana bread is to avoid overmixing the batter. Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients until just combined ensures a light and moist crumb. It’s okay if you see a few faint streaks of flour remaining in the batter.
overhead of banana bread
Pioneer Woman’s Secret Tips for Amazing Banana Bread: FAQs
What type of bananas are the best to use for banana bread?
For the most flavorful banana bread, you need to use very ripe bananas. Think of bananas that are past their prime for eating as is – dark brown, heavily spotted, and soft to the touch. These overripe bananas are packed with intense banana flavor and natural sugars, which will make your bread incredibly moist and delicious. The softer texture of ripe bananas also makes them easier to mash and incorporate into the batter.
Can I customize this banana bread recipe with add-ins?
Absolutely! This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes additions. For nuts, coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans (about 1 ¼ cups) are excellent choices, adding a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. If you prefer chocolate chips, the same amount (1 ¼ cups) will add a delightful sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can even combine nuts and chocolate chips for a truly decadent treat. Raisins or dried cranberries are also lovely additions for a chewy, fruity twist. Remember to gently fold in any add-ins at the very end, just until combined, to avoid overmixing the batter.
How should banana bread be properly stored to maintain its freshness?
To keep your banana bread moist and delicious, proper storage is essential. The best way to store banana bread is at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to three days. Avoid storing banana bread in the refrigerator, as this can actually dry it out and alter its texture.
How can I ensure my banana bread stays moist and doesn’t become dry?
The key to maintaining moist banana bread starts with the baking process. Avoid over-baking the bread, as this is the most common cause of dryness. Bake just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked and cooled, store it properly as mentioned above – tightly wrapped at room temperature. Enjoy your banana bread within 3 days for the best moist texture and flavor.
Pioneer Tip: If you’re adding nuts to your banana bread, consider toasting them first to enhance their flavor. Simply spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, turning them halfway through. Toasted nuts add a deeper, richer flavor dimension to your banana bread.
sliced banana bread on cooling rack
Enjoy the process of baking and the even greater pleasure of enjoying your homemade banana bread!
Let’s get baking! This recipe and the step-by-step video guide below will lead you through every stage. If you decide to try this recipe, feel free to share your baking creations and tag us on social media!
The BEST Banana Bread Recipe
A wonderfully moist and flavorful banana bread recipe that’s quick to prepare and can be in the oven in under 20 minutes, requiring no electric mixer. Watch the how-to video at the end of the recipe for visual guidance!
5 from 176 votes
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Course: Dessert, Quick Bread
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 396 kcal
Author: Sam Merritt
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (385g) well-mashed overripe bananas (about 3 large ripe bananas)
- ¼ cup (60ml) avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup (135g) light or dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, room temperature preferred
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) buttermilk¹
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips or chopped nuts² (optional)
- ¼ cup (50g) coarse or granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the bottom and ½” up the sides of a 9×5″ bread pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, canola oil, and melted butter. Stir until well-combined.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir well.
- Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add buttermilk and stir until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. If adding nuts/chocolate chips, stir them in now. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and, if desired, sprinkle generously with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Do not over-bake.
- Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
¹Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, use an easy substitute: combine ¾ teaspoon of lemon juice (or white vinegar) with ¼ scant cup milk, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
²Adding Nuts: For enhanced flavor, toast nuts first. Spread 1 ½ cups of walnut or pecan halves on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to several months.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 46g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1050IU | Vitamin C: 4.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and varies based on specific ingredients and measuring methods.
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Original recipe published March 18th, 2019.
