Simple Banana Bread

Name: Simple Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
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

Highlighted under: Modern Food

This Simple Banana Bread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for using up ripe bananas!

Created by

Una Whitcombe

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:58:34.659Z

Banana bread is a classic recipe that has been loved for generations. It's a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and creates a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture that's perfect for breakfast or a snack
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
Deliciously sweet with a hint of banana flavor

      

The Perfect Use for Ripe Bananas

If you're like many home cooks, you often find yourself with a few ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter, just waiting to be used. Instead of tossing them in the trash or letting them over-ripen further, why not turn them into something delicious? This Simple Banana Bread recipe is the perfect solution. Not only does it utilize those overripe bananas, but it also transforms them into a sweet, comforting treat that everyone will love.

Ripe bananas are naturally sweet and add moisture to baked goods, making them an ideal ingredient for bread. The sugars in the bananas caramelize during baking, enhancing the flavor and giving the bread a delightful golden hue. Plus, the process of mashing them is quick and simple, making this an easy recipe to whip up any day of the week.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

To achieve the best results with your banana bread, it's important to use the right type of bananas. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even completely brown. These bananas are at their sweetest and will lend a rich flavor to your bread. If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

Additionally, be careful not to overmix your batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what you want in a light and fluffy banana bread. Mix the ingredients until just combined for the best results. Finally, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate pieces can elevate your banana bread to a whole new level!

Storing and Serving

Once your banana bread is baked and cooled, you'll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag, where it can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up for storage.

When it comes to serving, banana bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain, spread with a bit of butter, or topped with cream cheese for a delicious snack or breakfast option. You can also toast slices for an added crunch. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Simple Banana Bread is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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

Mix well after adding each ingredient for a smooth batter.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

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

Add Remaining Ingredients

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, mix in the flour until just incorporated.

Pour and Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about banana bread is whether you can use frozen bananas. Absolutely! In fact, frozen bananas can be even sweeter than fresh ones. Just thaw them out, mash them, and proceed with your recipe as usual. The moisture from the thawed bananas may require a slight adjustment in flour, so keep an eye on the batter's consistency.

Another frequently asked question is about the addition of spices. While this recipe is straightforward, you can definitely spice things up! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile and provide a warm, aromatic touch to your banana bread.

Variations to Try

There are numerous variations you can try with this Simple Banana Bread recipe. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped pineapple. This will give your banana bread a unique flavor and texture that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

If you're a fan of chocolate, why not make chocolate chip banana bread? Simply fold in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking. This decadent version is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and is a great way to make a classic recipe even more indulgent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How should I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.