Hey friends! Today, I’m excited to share a baking recipe that’s close to my heart — a cozy, comforting Easy Banana Bread that’s soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor. Imagine a golden-brown loaf with a tender crumb, hints of caramel from brown sugar, and that unmistakable aroma of bananas wafting through your kitchen. It’s the kind of bake that makes your home feel warmer, your day feel brighter, and your taste buds do a happy dance.
This recipe has been my go-to for years — the one I reach for when bananas go spotty, when guests are coming, or when I just need a little edible hug. It’s no mixer needed, one bowl, and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade treats, this banana bread is your new best friend.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 12 squares (9×9 pan) — easily doubled for a loaf
- Tools Needed: Mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, 9×9 baking pan
- Make-Ahead Tip: Can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored airtight
Ingredients List & Smart Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | ½ cup | Use coconut oil or vegetable oil for dairy-free |
| Light Brown Sugar | ⅔ cup + ¼ cup (for topping) | Use white sugar or mix half white/half brown |
| Large Eggs | 2 | Substitute with flax eggs for egg-free version |
| Very Ripe Bananas (mashed) | ~2 cups | About 3 medium bananas — the riper, the better! |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp | Optional, but adds warmth |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1¾ cups | Can use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | Helps the bread rise — don’t skip! |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and ⅔ cup brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pro Tip: The batter should smell sweet and slightly nutty — that’s the bananas and butter doing their magic.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula.
- Visual Cue: Stop mixing when no streaks of flour remain — overmixing = tough bread.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over the top for a sweet crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating once halfway.
- Sensory Checkpoint: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice into squares once fully cooled — or sneak a warm piece (I won’t tell!).
Serving & Storage Tips
| Method | Instructions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp | Store in airtight container | 3–4 days |
| Fridge | Wrap tightly to prevent drying | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Slice and wrap individually | Up to 3 months |
Troubleshooting & FAQ
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dense texture | Overmixed batter | Fold gently until just combined |
| Soggy center | Undercooked | Bake longer, cover with foil if browning too fast |
| Dry loaf | Overbaked or not enough banana | Check oven temp and use ripe bananas |
| Cracked top | Normal! | Adds rustic charm — no worries |
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Mix in 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for cozy vibes.
Closing Encouragement
There you have it — a banana bread recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s the kind of bake that turns forgotten bananas into golden treasure. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, pack it for lunch, or gift it to a friend, this bread brings joy in every bite.
Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? I’d love to hear how it turns out — leave a comment or tag me in your baking adventures!
Happy baking, friends!