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Perfect Best Banana Bread Recipe: 5 Simple Steps

Sliced banana bread loaf with a banana on top, served on a wooden board with rustic decor.

This Best Banana Bread Recipe delivers ultra-moist texture, rich banana flavor, and comforting aromas. It’s the ultimate solution for overripe bananas and rainy day cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

3 large ripe bananas (brown spots are good!)

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth.

3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well.

4. In a second bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gently fold dry mix into wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!

6. Stir in nuts or chocolate if using.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 45–55 minutes, checking at 45 with a toothpick.

8. Cool in pan 20 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool fully before slicing.

Notes

Store at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.

Freeze slices individually wrapped for grab-and-go snacks.

Toast leftovers and top with butter for next-level breakfast.