Print

The World’s Best Banana Bread Recipe

The World's Best Banana Bread Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

This classic banana bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional crunchy nuts. Perfectly sweetened and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Base

  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the banana bread.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. Using very ripe bananas ensures a sweeter and more flavorful bread.
  3. Add Butter and Sugar: Stir the ½ cup melted butter into the mashed bananas until combined. Then, add 1 cup granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
  4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and provide structure. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for rich flavor.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to combine just until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing, which can cause dense bread.
  7. Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Toasting nuts before adding enhances flavor and crunch, but this step is optional.
  8. Transfer to Pan and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly, making sure the batter reaches all corners. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Notes

  • Use the ripest bananas possible; brown spots indicate peak sweetness.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
  • Feel free to replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • To make the bread gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes before adding to enhance flavor.
  • Test doneness early at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking in some ovens.
  • Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, homemade banana bread, moist banana bread, quick bread, dessert bread

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/the-worlds-best-banana-bread-recipe/