Classic Banana Bread

Introduction

Classic Banana Bread is a beloved homemade treat made to use up ripe bananas and turn them into something delicious. With its soft crumb, rich banana aroma, and lightly caramelized crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a simple dessert. It’s easy enough for beginners and endlessly customizable with nuts or chocolate chips, yet wonderful just as it is.

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

Bake Time: 50–60 minutes

Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or oil)

¾ cup sugar (white, brown, or half & half)

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-ins

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

½ cup chocolate chips

½ tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.

Stir in melted butter.

Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir.

Gently fold in flour until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Add Extras (Optional)

Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon if using.

Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Slice

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Remove and cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with butter or honey

Enjoy with tea or coffee

Toast slices lightly for extra flavor

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas (brown spots = more sweetness)

Do not overmix the batter

Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly

Banana bread tastes even better the next day

Storage

Room temperature (covered): 2–3 days

Refrigerator: up to 1 week

Freezer: up to 2 months (slice before freezing)

Final Thoughts

This Classic Banana Bread is simple, comforting, and never goes out of style. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—easy to remember, easy to love.