Simple Banana Bread

Name: Simple Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Home Baking Inspiration

This Simple Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:04:34.085Z

Banana bread is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed in homes for generations. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and is simple to make.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and flavorful with every bite
An easy way to use overripe bananas
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack

      

The Perfect Ripe Bananas

Choosing the right bananas is crucial for this Simple Banana Bread recipe. Look for bananas that are overly ripe, with plenty of brown spots or even blackened skin. These bananas are sweeter and will yield a more flavorful bread. The natural sugars in ripe bananas enhance the overall taste, making each bite a delightful experience.

If you have bananas that are not quite ripe yet, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps the ethylene gas they release, encouraging ripening. Once they are ripe, they can be mashed and incorporated into your recipe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Bread

To ensure your banana bread comes out perfectly every time, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light and fluffy crumb that's so desirable. Stir just until the flour is incorporated, and you’ll be rewarded with a moist loaf.

Consider adding in some mix-ins for extra flavor and texture. Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips make excellent additions, elevating your banana bread to a new level. Just be sure to fold them in gently to maintain the batter's integrity.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces. This way, you can enjoy a slice of homemade banana bread whenever the craving strikes!

Banana bread can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a spread of butter or cream cheese. For a special treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine with Flour

Stir in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Nutritional Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are not just delicious; they are also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and proper muscle function. Additionally, bananas provide vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

The fiber in bananas can aid in digestion and help you feel full longer, making banana bread a satisfying snack or breakfast option. Incorporating ripe bananas into baked goods not only enhances flavor but also boosts their nutritional profile.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this simple banana bread recipe! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your bread a warm, cozy flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

For a tropical flair, consider adding shredded coconut or using coconut oil instead of butter. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic banana bread, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them and make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips after mixing the flour.