Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe

This Easy Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! Made with ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this bread has a soft texture and rich banana flavor. You can add walnuts for a nutty crunch or chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, making each slice even more irresistible. It’s quick to prepare with simple ingredients, and it bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter—either way, it’s comfort food at its best!

Ingredients

• 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan, or coat it with baking spray.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly with a large wooden spoon.

1. Add Dry Ingredients:

• Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir well to incorporate.

1. Combine with Flour and Mix-ins:

• Gently fold in the flour, along with the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using, until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Add additional walnuts or chocolate chips on top if desired.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Serve:

• Slice the loaf into thick pieces and enjoy!