Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
🧺 Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
👩🍳 Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Sprinkle in baking soda and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add flour gradually, mixing gently until no dry streaks remain. (Do not overmix — this keeps the bread tender.)
- Fold in optional add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🍽️ Tips
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or brown sugar on top before baking.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut oil or plant butter.
- Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots work best for sweetness and moisture.