There’s nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of banana bread filling your kitchen. This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike—simple to make, incredibly moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (10 slices)
This banana bread is tender, moist, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. It requires just one bowl, no mixer needed, and bakes into a golden, fragrant loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients List
- 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter!) – for natural sweetness and moisture
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil) – adds richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg, room temperature – binds the batter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – structure
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the bread rise
- 1/2 tsp salt – balances sweetness
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) – warm spice
Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or shredded coconut.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: 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 bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth (small lumps are okay).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Avoid overmixing—just stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the bread tender.
- Check doneness early—ovens vary! If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a smear of butter or peanut butter.
- Top with honey, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
- Pair with coffee or milk for the ultimate snack.
Storage Tips
- Room temp: Keep wrapped for 2-3 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or underbaking can cause this—fold gently and test doneness.
Conclusion
This easy banana bread is a foolproof recipe that delivers delicious results every time. Once you try it, you’ll never buy store-bought again! Bake a loaf, share it with loved ones, and let us know how it turns out.
Banana Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of banana bread filling your kitchen. This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike—simple to make, incredibly moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter!) – for natural sweetness and moisture
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil) – adds richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 1 large egg, room temperature – binds the batter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – structure
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the bread rise
- 1/2 tsp salt – balances sweetness
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) – warm spice
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or shredded coconut.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth (small lumps are okay).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Avoid overmixing—just stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.