A waft of sweet, ripe bananas fills the kitchen as I pull a loaf of tender banana bread from the oven. This easy 5-ingredient homemade recipe yields a super moist banana bread in under an hour. The secret? Relying on the natural sweetness of bananas, you create a dessert that’s both simple and delicious.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking with minimal ingredients and time. It’s great for a cozy brunch or casual gathering. Plus, the banana bread can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick breakfast option throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The banana bread turns out incredibly moist thanks to the ripe bananas.
- Only five ingredients required, making it super easy to prepare.
- It bakes in just about an hour for a quick treat.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm spice flavor that elevates the dish.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Batter
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Coconut oil for unsalted butter
- Maple syrup for granulated sugar
- Applesauce for eggs (for a vegan option)
How to Make It
Creating this delicious banana bread is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it. Optionally, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas
Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth with a few small lumps remaining, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Add the sugar and eggs to the mashed bananas. Mix well with a hand mixer or whisk until combined and slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Mix in Butter
Pour in the melted butter (cooled slightly) and the vanilla extract if using. Stir gently to combine.
Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and optional cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Fold Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 50 minutes.
Cool
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store It
Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: yes, wrap well in plastic wrap, then foil.
Reheat: microwave for 15 seconds or toast slices.
Tips for Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the banana bread light and fluffy.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a slice with a smear of butter for breakfast.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
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