There’s something special about the smell of Banana Bread baking in the oven. It’s warm, sweet, and comforting — like a hug in the form of food. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, this classic recipe never goes out of style. It’s moist, full of banana flavor, and simple enough for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For one loaf:
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the bread easier later.
2. Mash the bananas.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy. Leave a few small chunks if you like a bit of texture in your bread.
3. Add wet ingredients.
Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until combined. Then, add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Add dry ingredients.
Sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the flour, folding it gently into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — this helps keep the bread tender.
5. Add mix-ins.
If you’d like, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Both are great options and turn a simple banana bread into something extra special.
6. Bake the loaf.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing — if you can resist the smell long enough!
Texture and Flavor
This banana bread is moist, soft, and perfectly sweet. The bananas give it natural sweetness and a tender crumb, while the brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor. The melted butter ties everything together with richness, and the vanilla adds a subtle warmth that makes it truly comforting.
Each bite feels like nostalgia — simple, homey, and full of love.