The Best Banana Bread Recipe (2024)

Banana Bread is one of those classics that we can't get enough of! It's incredibly easy to make and only requires a bowl and a whisk to prepare. This recipe will have a place in your favorite recipe collections because of its moist and moist crumb and intensely banana-y flavor. By the way, have you tried myapple breadyet?

Photo instructions

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt and set aside.Then mix mashed bananas and sugar until combined. Then slowly add oil while whisking and stir just to combine.

Add eggs, and vanilla, and whisk just until incorporated.

Then add thedry ingredients and stir just to combine.

Fold in banana chunks until evenly combined and transfer to a 9x5x3-inch (23x13x8cm)loaf pan and spread evenly.

Top with a halved banana and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired. This is optional but highly recommended. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

How ripe do the bananas need to be

I recommend using very ripe bananas with lots of black spots that are almost completely brown. The browner the banana, the sweeter the bread will be. If you have very fresh and yellow bananas, you canmake the bananas ripen fasterby placing them in a paper bag with an apple overnight.

If you don't have time or want to wait for your bananas to ripen, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup to a 1-cup (240ml) measuring cup and fill it up with mashed bananas. This will give you a sweetness and moisture level similar to that of using very ripe bananas.

Expert tips for success

• I strongly recommend measuring the mashed bananas and not orienting yourself on a set number of bananas. It is impossible to tell how much banana puree will end up in the bread if it is not measured, as bananas vary greatly in weight and size.
• Whisk the batter by hand. If using an electric mixer, it's possible to overmix the batter. If you overmix the batter, too much gluten develops in the bread. The result would be a dense and rubbery loaf.

Tip: If you're a sourdough bread baker, you can add some sourdough starter discard and also make sourdough banana bread.

Can I use an 8x4-inch loaf pan?

The batter is too much for this pan size and will likely overflow during baking. I recommend using a 9x5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan. If you have only an 8x4-inch (20x10cm) loaf pan, you can scoop some batter into 2-3 muffin liners and bake the muffins for about 15-18 minutes.

How long does it last

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will remain soft and moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing instructions

Once completely cooled, cut into slices, wrap in plastic wrap twice and store in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, unwrap, and let sit on the counter for 1-2 hours. You can also serve it warm by reheating it in the microwave for 15-25 seconds.

More banana recipes to try

• Air Fryer Banana Bread
• Bananas Foster Cake
• Banana Walnut Muffins
• Banana Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Banana Muffins
• Banana Cream Pie

Recipe