Irresistible Easy Banana Bread Recipe

I find myself reaching for this recipe whenever I have spotted brown fruit sitting on the counter for a few days.

It yields a loaf that stays incredibly moist and slices beautifully for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. You will love how the Easy Banana Bread method comes together without needing a mixer or fancy equipment.

What Sets This Easy Banana Bread Apart

The texture achieves that ideal balance between dense and fluffy that makes every bite satisfying. I appreciate that it uses melted butter for a rich flavor that vegetable oil just cannot replicate.

You can customize the sweetness level to suit your taste without ruining the structure of the loaf. My version allows the natural fruit flavor to shine through without being overpowered by sugar.

Cleanup is minimal since the entire batter comes together in a single bowl with just a sturdy fork. I often bake this on busy weekends when I want a homemade treat without dealing with a sink full of dishes.

If you enjoyed this cozy bake, I highly recommend trying my Irresistible Candied Orange Peel in Syrup Recipe for a citrus twist. You might also like the Hearty Clementine Jam Recipe which tastes amazing spread on a warm slice of bread.

Gathering Your Easy Banana Bread Ingredients

Here are the pantry staples you need to bake this loaf:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, milky flavor that complements the fruit and keeps the crumb tender.
• Ripe Bananas: Look for fruit that is heavily spotted or mostly brown to ensure the best sweetness and moisture.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the batter together and adds structure to the bread as it rises.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a lovely golden crust on top.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the banana flavor.
• Baking Soda: This is the essential leavening agent that helps the dense batter rise properly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure for the loaf without making it too heavy.

My Method for Perfect Easy Banana Bread

Follow these simple steps to get the best results:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F so it is ready when your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl, then mash them thoroughly with a fork until they are smooth and creamy with very few lumps remaining.
2. Pour the melted butter into the mashed fruit and stir until fully incorporated. Add the baking soda and salt, mixing well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the base. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smells fragrant.
3. Add the flour to the bowl last, stirring gently until you no longer see any white streaks. It is crucial to stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the texture tender. Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Bake the loaf for about 55 to 65 minutes, checking it near the end of the baking time. You will know it is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

My Easy Banana Bread Secrets

Make sure your bananas are heavily spotted or even black for the sweetest flavor and best moisture. I always wait until the fruit looks almost too far gone before starting this Easy Banana Bread.

Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour or the loaf might become tough and rubbery. I stop stirring the moment the dry ingredients disappear to ensure the crumb stays light and tender.

If the top starts browning too quickly while the center is still raw, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil. This simple trick allows your Easy Banana Bread to finish baking evenly without burning the crust.

Best Ways to Enjoy Easy Banana Bread

A thick slice tastes incredible when toasted and slathered with salted butter or soft cream cheese. I sometimes sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for an extra bit of crunch and warmth.

This loaf pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a mid-morning pick-me-up. You can also wrap individual slices to take with you for a satisfying homemade snack on the go.

I love seeing what you make, so please follow me on Pinterest to keep up with my latest recipes.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple, moist, and sweet banana bread recipe that requires only one bowl and no mixer. Perfect for using up overripe bananas.

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Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour
• 2 to 3 very ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F so it is ready when your batter is mixed. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl, then mash them thoroughly with a fork until they are smooth and creamy with very few lumps remaining.
2. Pour the melted butter into the mashed fruit and stir until fully incorporated. Add the baking soda and salt, mixing well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the base. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform and smells fragrant.
3. Add the flour to the bowl last, stirring gently until you no longer see any white streaks. It is crucial to stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the texture tender. Pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Bake the loaf for about 55 to 65 minutes, checking it near the end of the baking time. You will know it is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

If using a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. You can add 1/2 cup of nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cooling Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: easy banana bread, banana loaf, homemade bread, breakfast recipe, sweet quick bread