If you have some ripe bananas sitting on the counter and wonder what to make, I have the perfect solution for you: the Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a warm, comforting loaf that’s packed with natural sweetness, tender crumb, and just the right touch of richness from butter and eggs. This banana bread feels like a cozy hug in food form, and the best part is it transforms simple pantry staples into a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this banana bread requires a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a key role—from the ripe bananas that provide moisture and sweetness, to the baking soda that helps the bread rise perfectly.
- Ripe bananas: The star ingredient—mashed bananas add natural sweetness and keep the bread moist.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the batter, lending a tender texture and buttery flavor.
- Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives a lovely aroma that complements bananas.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and balance.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that makes the bread rise light and fluffy.
- Salt: Amplifies the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, grease a loaf pan generously. This step ensures the banana bread will bake evenly and release smoothly from the pan once cooled.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until they become smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. The riper the bananas, the better—they bring natural sweetness and moisture to the batter that’s absolutely essential in this Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas. Stir together until well combined. These ingredients enrich the bread, infusing it with moisture and flavor that make every bite unforgettable.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, helping your bread rise perfectly and taste balanced.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be a little lumpy to keep the bread tender and moist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This careful timing ensures the bread is cooked through while remaining wonderfully moist.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling allows the bread to set, making it easier to slice and enjoy without it falling apart.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add an extra touch of sweetness and make your banana bread look as good as it tastes. You might also try spreading a thin layer of butter or cream cheese right on a warm slice for a creamy, irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
Banana bread is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier option, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to put a fun twist on this Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe? Try toasting individual slices and topping them with peanut butter and sliced bananas or a spread of nutella. For a casual dessert, serve chilled banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days—soft, flavorful, and ready to satisfy any banana bread craving that sneaks up on you.
Freezing
If you want to keep your banana bread longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
To enjoy your banana bread after storage or freezing, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly for a fresh-baked feeling. This little step revives the bread’s moist texture and enhances its flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well in this Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid soggy batter.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add delightful texture and flavor that complement the banana beautifully.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda is crucial for the rise in banana bread, but you can substitute it with baking powder by using about three times the amount. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe—with plenty of brown spots or even mostly brown peels. This ensures maximum sweetness and flavor in your banana bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend meant for baking, and make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe is such a timeless favorite. It’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for any time you want a cozy homemade treat. Whether you’re sharing it with family, enjoying it with your morning coffee, or gifting a loaf to a friend, this banana bread never fails to bring smiles. I really encourage you to try it—it may just become your new go-to recipe for using up those ripe bananas!
Print
Classic Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Homemade Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, butter, and a touch of vanilla. Perfectly sweetened and lightly spiced with baking soda and salt, it’s an easy-to-make treat that’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mash bananas: In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Bake the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Check doneness at 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for variations if desired.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
