Simple Banana Bread

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this Simple Banana Bread, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Fern Holloway

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:53:35.320Z

This Simple Banana Bread is a family favorite, passed down through generations. It transforms overripe bananas into a moist and flavorful loaf, perfect for any time of the day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
  • Sweet banana flavor with a hint of vanilla
  • Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

This Simple Banana Bread is not only a great snack, but it also makes for a wonderful breakfast option. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread will make your mornings brighter. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you've got yourself a delightful start to the day. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or toasted with a bit of butter for an extra indulgence.

Whether you’re rushing out the door or taking a moment to relax, this banana bread provides the energy you need to tackle your day. Its moist texture and rich flavor will satisfy your cravings and keep you full until your next meal. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop.

A Family Favorite

Banana bread has a special place in many households, often passed down through generations. This Simple Banana Bread recipe is perfect for involving the whole family in the kitchen. Kids can help mash the bananas and mix the ingredients, making it a fun and engaging activity. Baking together not only creates delicious treats but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing for creativity. Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to customize your loaf. Each variation brings a new twist, ensuring that this family favorite never gets old. It's a recipe that can evolve with your family's tastes while maintaining its simplicity and charm.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, storing it properly can help maintain its freshness. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider slicing the bread and freezing individual pieces. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you crave a sweet snack or quick breakfast.

When it comes to serving, banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further. Try spreading a layer of cream cheese or almond butter on top for added flavor and richness. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this banana bread will surely become a beloved staple in your home.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your banana bread:

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Now that you have your ingredients, let's start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Combine Ingredients

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, stir in the flour until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Now, enjoy your freshly baked banana bread!

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Simple Banana Bread, start with very ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even completely brown skins. This will enhance the natural sweetness and moisture of the bread, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.

Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and chewy bread instead of the light and airy loaf you desire. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make a healthier version of this banana bread, consider substituting some ingredients. You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, reducing the sugar amount by a quarter can still yield delightful results without sacrificing taste.

For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. These simple swaps can make the recipe more accommodating to different dietary needs while still delivering a deliciously moist banana bread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw the frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

→ Can I make this banana bread vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.

→ How should I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Simple Banana Bread

Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this Simple Banana Bread, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time70 minutes

Created by: Fern Holloway

Recipe Type: Oven Planning

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Step 03

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, stir in the flour until just combined.

Step 04

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 05

Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 3g