Banana Bread Recipe

May 25, 2023 Jump To Recipe

This homemade banana bread recipe is soft, fluffy, moist, and tender. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious! This classic nostalgic recipe is great for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, and even dessert! The bread has a tender crumb while the chocolate chips add a pop of decadent flavor. Everyone raves about this easy banana bread recipe! As a banana bread connoisseur, I can assure you this is the very best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread recipe is quick and easy.
Only 10 minutes of prep time.
Everything is mixed in one mixing bowl. No mixer is required!
The overripe bananas add a moist texture and natural sweetness.
Serve this bread any time of the day, all year long.
Both kids and adults love this quick bread.
Feel free to bake this into muffins instead! Banana bread muffins are great for lunch boxes, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a simple snack.
The chocolate chips add a pop of rich flavor.
If needed, this recipe can be made with gluten-free flour.
For another great recipe, check out this Chocolate Banana Bread!

What is Banana Bread?

Banana bread is a quick bread made with ripe bananas. The term quick bread refers to bread recipes made without yeast.

The natural sweetness of overripe bananas contributes to the main flavor. Banana bread is a popular choice for breakfast and brunch. It does not rely as heavily on sugar due to the banana flavor. Thus, banana bread is a healthier option than other breads.

Banana bread is the most commonly searched-for bread recipe. It is highly popular!

Bananas are high in potassium and Vitamin B6.

During the Great Depression, banana bread became very popular. Suddenly there was a way to use up leftover bananas.

Since then, banana bread recipes have included nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, coconut flakes, and even pudding mix.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this simple banana bread recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the full ingredients list and the instructions.

This recipe gets a deep flavor and moist texture from the melted butter. It instantly elevates this bread. For dairy free, use melted coconut oil.

Granulated sugar adds a sweet flavor.

Use overripe bananas. They contain more natural sweetness than yellow or green bananas. If needed, thaw frozen bananas and squeeze out all excess moisture. Choose bananas with at least some brown spots. The more brown, the more sweet they are.

Two eggs help bind this bread batter together. Do not substitute the eggs in this specific recipe. Instead, check out this Vegan Banana Bread!

Vanilla extract adds a classic nostalgic warmth.

Use all-purpose flour. Do not pack the measuring cups. Use a spoon to add flour to the dry measuring cup. Then, level off with a knife. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free 1 to 1 flour. Do not use almond flour or coconut flour.

Baking soda helps leaven this quick bread.

Add in a pinch of sea salt. If using salted butter, omit it.

Lastly, add in your favorite variety of chocolate chips! Use semisweet, dark, milk, mini, or white chocolate chips. Alternatively, use chopped chocolate bars for melted pools of chocolate.

Feel free to add in walnuts, pecans, coconut flakes, dried cranberries, or raisins. Either way, this banana bread recipe is delicious.

Taste & Texture

This banana bread recipe is naturally sweet! It tastes like classic banana bread. The chocolate chips add the best chocolate flavor!

This bread is soft, fluffy, and moist. The bananas and melted butter add extra moisture. This recipe is not dry.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add parchment paper to an 8-inch by 4-inch bread loaf pan.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, add melted butter and sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Then, add in mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Add in flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 6

Transfer the batter to the lined bread pan. Smooth into one even layer.

Step 7

Dot with extra chocolate chips before baking.

Step 8

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only moist crumbs.

Step 9

Finally, remove the banana bread from the oven. Allow bread to fully cool before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For the best results, follow this banana bread recipe exactly as written.

Look for bananas with some brown spots. They add a stronger flavor. In addition, overripe bananas add more sweetness.

Do not pack the flour into the measuring cup. Use a spoon to add the flour to the cup. Then level off the top with a butter knife.

For gluten-free, use gluten-free 1 to 1 flour.

Fully mix together the melted butter and sugar. This really creates a moist texture.

Garnish the bread with more chocolate chips before baking. When in doubt, always add more chocolate.

Do not overbake banana bread. This is the key to getting a soft texture.

To check if the banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the middle. If it comes out with only some moist crumbs, then the bread is done.

Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing. Warm banana bread may fall apart.

How to Ripen Bananas

This banana bread recipe relies on ripe bananas. Here are some tips for how to ripen bananas faster.

Bake the bananas at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 20 minutes. Once fully brown, remove from oven. Allow bananas to completely cool. Then, make this recipe.

Microwave bananas for up to 60 seconds. Be sure to pierce the banana several times with a fork. This also helps ripen bananas quickly.

If you have time, place the bananas in a brown paper bag. Cutting off the oxygen makes the bananas release ethylene. Thus, this ripens bananas.

Sometimes grocery stores will keep individual brown bananas on display. Ask your store manager or ask a neighbor for ripe bananas.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Consider adding these fun flavors to your homemade banana bread recipe.

For a warm and cozy flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.

For some added crunch, add in walnuts or pecans. This becomes a banana nut bread recipe.

Sprinkle some sugar on top before baking. This makes a nice golden crusty top.

Add in chopped walnuts or pecans. Banana nut bread is always a great idea.

Add in dried fruit. Dried cranberries, apricots, and raisins will add flavor.

Replace white sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

For a coconut flavor, add some coconut flakes. Replace sugar with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Add some cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze on top!

How to Serve & Store

Serve this banana bread recipe once fully cooled.

It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, a mug of tea, milk, or a smoothie. Then, serve these Homemade Brownies for dessert!

Top with a slather of peanut butter, frosting, or butter.

Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze bread for up to 1 month.

To thaw, place on the kitchen counter for several hours, until thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe do bananas have to be for banana bread?

For banana bread, use bananas with at least some brown spots. Do not use yellow bananas or green bananas.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Sure! Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour. King Arthur Flour and Bob’s Red Mill both make great options for gluten-free baking.

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes. Wrap banana bread in plastic wrap before freezing. Or, place it in a Ziplock bag.

Do I have to add chocolate chips?

No. The chocolate chips are optional, but highly recommended.

Can I add in nuts?

Sure! Nuts are great in banana bread.

What is the best loaf pan?

For best results, use an 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan. Most are 9-inch by 5-inch. I do love this white one, but a smaller pan will yield a taller loaf.

Can I use frozen bananas?

If using frozen bananas, thaw completely. Then, squeeze out all excess moisture. Frozen bananas tend to be very moist and wet once thawed.

Equipment Needed

Hand Mixer: This banana bread recipe can be mixed by hand. If you prefer, this small hand mixer works well.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer: This heavy-duty stand mixer is great for most baking recipes. It is not needed for this recipe.

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: I always use these pre-cut sheets of parchment for lining pans.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These glass mixing bowls are great for baking banana bread. They are easy to clean, sleek, and sturdy.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Measure out the ingredients with these measuring cups.

You May Also Enjoy

If you enjoy this recipe for banana bread, please leave a rating and review! You can find more great recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out these No Knead Breads for more great recipes!