There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven—the warm, caramelized bananas mingling with hints of brown sugar and butter, filling your kitchen with pure nostalgia.
Whether you’re rescuing those overripe bananas from the brink or simply craving a slice of something soft, sweet, and ridiculously good, this Classic Banana Bread recipe is about to become your new favorite.
But this isn’t just any banana bread. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender, and just the right amount of sweetness. No dry, dense slices here! The secret? A touch of brown sugar for depth, ultra-ripe bananas for natural sweetness, and just the right ratio of butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Banana bread has been trending lately, and for good reason. Studies show that baking can reduce stress levels by boosting mindfulness and creativity. Plus, with food waste being a growing concern, finding ways to use up those spotty bananas is more popular than ever.
Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or pair it with this Strawberry Icebox Pie for a fresh and fruity contrast. Want something even more indulgent? A slice of Vanilla Buttermilk Pound Cake alongside it makes for the ultimate dessert duo. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, preheat that oven—you won’t regret it.
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- It’s foolproof: Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe is easy to nail every single time.
- Perfect way to use overripe bananas: No more wasting those brown bananas sitting on the counter!
- Smells like pure heaven: The warm, buttery banana aroma filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone happy.
- Great for meal prep: Bake a loaf, slice it up, and enjoy it for breakfast or snacks throughout the week.
- Endless customization: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for your own spin!
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Spatula
- Fork (for mashing bananas)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 ⅓ cups mashed overripe bananas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth, then mix in beaten eggs.
- Mash overripe bananas and stir them into the wet mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 231kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Sodium | 226mg |
Smart Tips For The Perfect Banana Bread!
- Brown Your Butter for a Flavor Boost – Instead of just melting your butter, try browning it in a pan for a deep, nutty aroma that takes this banana bread to the next level.
- Let the Batter Rest Before Baking – A 10-15 minute rest allows the flour to hydrate and flavors to develop, resulting in an extra moist and flavorful loaf.
- Don’t Overmix—But Don’t Undermix Either – Stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing makes it dense, but undermixing leaves dry pockets.
- Use a Dark Loaf Pan for a Golden Crust – A darker metal pan absorbs heat better, giving you that beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Add a Spoonful of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – This keeps the banana bread ultra-moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Sprinkle Sugar on Top Before Baking – A light dusting of granulated or turbinado sugar creates a crispy, crackly top—so good, you won’t even need frosting!
- Use Overripe Bananas—but Don’t Overdo It – Too many bananas can make the bread gummy instead of fluffy. Stick to the recipe for the best texture.
- Cool It Completely Before Slicing – As tempting as it is, cutting too soon releases steam, making it slightly gummy. Let it rest for a perfect slice!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
