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.
The Best Taco Soup Recipe
There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of hearty taco soup—packed with bold flavors, tender beans, juicy ground beef, and just the right amount of spice.
This one-pot wonder is not only ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also infinitely customizable, making it perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (essential for aromatic flavor)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (optional, but adds a creamy tang)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed (for protein & fiber)
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained & rinsed (adds creaminess)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (for sweetness & crunch)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices for the broth)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (mild heat & tang)
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth (for a rich, savory base)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Seasonings & Liquids
Stir in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning (if using), coating the meat evenly.
Pour in diced tomatoes, green chiles, beans, corn, and broth. Stir well.
3. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips.