Looking for a simple banana banana bread recipe that’s moist, delicious, and easy to make? This is the best banana bread recipe you’ll ever try—loaded with flavor and made using everyday ingredients. Whether you’re after a 4 ingredient banana bread or a moist banana bread recipe with oil, this guide has it all. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, our variation of a healthy banana banana bread recipe swaps refined sugar and butter for wholesome alternatives without sacrificing taste. If you’re a cake lover, don’t miss our fluffy banana cake recipe too!
This banana bread recipe makes a super soft and tasty loaf with lots of real banana flavor. There’s no need to cut back on the bananas! My friends and family always enjoy it and say it’s the best they’ve ever had. It tastes even better when toasted. Give it a try and enjoy!
Quick Recipe Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour |
| Ingredients Needed | Ripe bananas, flour, sugar (or honey), oil |
| Type | Easy moist banana bread recipe |
| Variations | Healthy, 4-ingredient, cake-style |
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Serves: 10 slices
You don’t need a fancy mixer for this banana bread recipe! It’s super simple to make and clean-up is quick. You can even mix everything in just one bowl.
This recipe works best with an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
If using an 8½x4½-inch pan, bake for about 47 to 57 minutes.
For a 9×5-inch pan, bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
Just remember — the bigger the pan, the flatter the loaf will be.
Tip: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The peels should be mostly brown and the insides soft and sweet.
Banana Bread Ingredients
You probably already have most of the ingredients for this banana bread at home. If not, here’s what you’ll need to buy:
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour helps give the bread its shape.
- Baking soda: This helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a little salt boosts the flavor but won’t make it salty.
- Butter: Butter adds a rich taste and keeps the bread soft.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a nice warm flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs help hold everything together.
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
This banana bread has been a fan favorite for over a decade—and for good reason! Every day, thousands of people bake this recipe because it’s incredibly simple, delicious, and reliable.
One of the best things? You don’t need any fancy tools. Just a bowl, a fork to beat the eggs, and a spoon to stir the batter. That’s it! The magic behind the flavor? Melted butter. It gives the bread a rich, moist texture that’s hard to beat.
You can adjust the sugar based on your taste—some use 1 cup, but many people go with ¾ cup or even ½ cup and still love the result.
Want to get creative? Add in chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or even bake them as banana muffins. You can also turn this into a decadent chocolate banana bread.
This amazing recipe came from a friend of mine, passed down from a family connection—and we’re all grateful for it!
How to Make Banana Bread
You can check the full recipe below, but here’s a quick and simple guide on how to make banana bread:
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar. Then add eggs and mashed bananas.
- Combine the dry and wet mixtures.
- Pour the batter in loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven.
How to Keep Banana Bread Moist
This banana bread stays soft and moist because of the butter, eggs, and brown sugar (which holds more moisture than white sugar). Bananas also add natural moisture. Store your bread properly so it stays fresh for a few days.
How Long to Bake Banana Bread
Bake the banana bread at 350°F (175°C) for around 1 hour. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it — this helps keep it in one piece.
Test Kitchen Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
According to expert cook Nicole McLaughlin (also known as NicoleMcMom), this banana bread is super easy to make and always turns out great. She prefers keeping it plain and simple — and we agree! Try these helpful tips to make your loaf even better:
- Use ripe bananas – Go for yellow bananas with brown spots. Avoid green ones, as they aren’t sweet enough.
- Mash with a fork – The easiest way to mash bananas is by using a regular fork.
- Use the right pan – A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal. If your pan is smaller, bake it a bit longer.
How to Store Banana Bread
Keep your banana bread soft and fresh by following these steps:
- Line an airtight container or zip-lock bag with a paper towel.
- Place the cooled banana bread on top.
- Cover it with another paper towel and seal it tightly.
How Long Will It Last?
- At room temperature: About 4 days.
- In the freezer: Stays good for 2–4 months.
Can We Freeze Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the bread cool completely.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil.
- You can also freeze individual slices to take out just what you need.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 ⅓ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 to 5 bananas)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt together.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth using a mixer.
- Add eggs and mashed bananas to the butter-sugar mix. Stir well.
- Now, combine the banana mixture with the flour mix. Stir until just mixed — don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully.
Can Enjoy this Banana Banana Bread With Buffalo Chicken Dip or Eggless Mayonnaise !
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
FAQ’s
Q1: What makes banana bread moist and fluffy?
A: Using overripe bananas and oil instead of butter creates a moist banana banana bread with a fluffy texture.
Q2: Can I make banana bread with just 4 ingredients?
A: Yes! Our 4 ingredient banana bread uses bananas, self-rising flour, eggs, and sugar (or honey).
Q3: Is this banana bread recipe healthy?
A: Yes, our healthy banana banana bread recipe avoids processed sugar and butter, using whole ingredients.
Q4: Can I use oil instead of butter in banana bread?
A: Absolutely. Our moist banana bread recipe with oil ensures a tender, rich texture.
Q5: What’s the difference between banana bread and banana cake?
A: Banana bread is denser and less sweet, while banana cake recipe results in a lighter, dessert-like texture.