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A golden-brown loaf of best easy banana bread sitting on a wooden cutting board with a wire rack

Best Easy Banana Bread

Mealoras
Summary: A moist, one-bowl classic that turns overripe bananas into a perfect golden loaf.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Banana Bread
Servings 10 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • Ripe Bananas: 3 to 4 medium about 2 cups mashed
  • Melted Butter: 1/3 cup salted butter cooled slightly
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • Egg: 1 large egg beaten
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt: 1/8 teaspoon
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mash the peeled overripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth consistency with only small chunks remaining.
  • Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until fully combined.
  • Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well until the batter is smooth and consistent.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
  • Gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a spoon or spatula, stirring only until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing.
  • If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon.
  • Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Banana Ripeness: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots; the darker they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stop stirring as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the texture light and airy rather than dense.
• Oven Variation: Since ovens vary, start checking for doneness at 50 minutes to ensure the bread stays moist.
• Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.