If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t throw them away. Turn them into this soft, moist, golden banana bread instead.
This recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or whenever you want something homemade without making things complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
This loaf has everything you want in banana bread:
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Moist without being heavy
- Rich banana flavor
- Beautiful golden top
- Easy ingredients
- No complicated equipment required
The riper your bananas are, the better the flavor will be.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional additions:
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts
- Cinnamon
- Sliced banana for topping
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Use a fork to mash them until mostly smooth. A few small banana pieces are completely fine and can actually make the bread even more moist.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Add the sugar, crack in the egg, and pour in the vanilla extract.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together.
Do not overmix the batter. Stop once you no longer see large streaks of dry flour.
Overmixing can make banana bread dense instead of soft and tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Loaf Pan
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Pour the banana bread batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
At this stage, you can sprinkle chocolate chips, walnuts, or a few banana slices over the surface if you like.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, depending on the size of your loaf pan and your oven.
The banana bread is ready when:
- The top is golden brown
- The center has risen
- A toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the final part of baking.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for around 10 minutes.
Then carefully lift it out and transfer it to a cooling rack.
For cleaner slices, let it cool slightly before cutting.
But if you love warm banana bread, waiting is definitely the hardest part.
How to Make It Even Better
For a chocolate version, fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips.
For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
For more flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
You can also spread a warm slice with peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or a little honey.
Quick Recipe
3 bananas + 1/2 cup melted butter + 1/2 cup sugar + 1 egg + vanilla + 1 1/2 cups flour + 1 tsp baking soda + salt
Mash → mix wet ingredients → fold in dry ingredients → pour into loaf pan → bake at 350°F / 175°C for 45–55 minutes.
That’s it.
Soft, moist homemade banana bread with a golden top and rich banana flavor. 🍌✨
If you make it, comment “BANANA” and save this recipe so you don’t lose it!
