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Freshly baked banana bread with a moist interior and golden-brown crust

The Ultimate Guide to Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and flavor. With ripe bananas, a hint of vanilla, and the option to add chocolate chips or nuts, this quick bread is a must-try for any occasion. It’s simple to make, takes only a few ingredients, and delivers a delicious result every time.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 ripe bananas (mashed)

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer taste)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk)

  • ½ cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan (or line with parchment paper).

  2. Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth with some small lumps remaining. Set aside.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand.

  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas and buttermilk, until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.

  7. If desired, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.

  • For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or low-fat yogurt instead of buttermilk.

  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk or a milk and vinegar mixture (1 tablespoon vinegar per cup of milk).

  • Feel free to experiment with add-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.

  • Author: Alexander Jai
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Banana bread, quick bread, banana loaf, baking, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread