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; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Golden Ideas

This Simple Banana Bread is perfect for using up overripe bananas and makes for a delicious snack or breakfast treat.

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:34:34.607Z

This recipe for Simple Banana Bread is a family favorite. It's moist, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. The aroma of bananas baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor that makes every bite delightful
Moist and fluffy texture that's hard to resist
Perfectly sweetened, ideal for breakfast or as a snack

      

The Benefits of Using Overripe Bananas

Overripe bananas are the star of this Simple Banana Bread recipe. When bananas become overly ripe, their natural sugars develop further, enhancing the sweetness and flavor of the bread. This means you can reduce the amount of added sugar, making your banana bread not just delicious but also a bit healthier.

Additionally, using overripe bananas is a fantastic way to minimize food waste. Instead of tossing those brown bananas, transform them into a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. It's a win-win situation for both your taste buds and the environment!

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

To achieve the best possible banana bread, use bananas that are heavily speckled or even completely brown. These bananas will provide optimal sweetness and a moist texture. If you only have yellow bananas, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.

Another valuable tip is to avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Mixing too much can result in a dense loaf rather than a light and fluffy one. Stir just until the flour is incorporated, and you'll be rewarded with a delightful texture.

Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. These additions can elevate the flavor and make your banana bread uniquely yours.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months!

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter or cream cheese on a slice for an extra treat. Pair it with your morning coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast or snack option.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last and stir until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and 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.

Pro Tips

For a twist, add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Simple Banana Bread recipe stands out for its ease and accessibility. With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a delicious loaf in no time. It's a straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can master, making it a perfect starting point for anyone looking to improve their baking skills.

The balance of sweetness and rich banana flavor ensures that this bread is a crowd-pleaser. Whether served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, it adapts to any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe means you can focus on enjoying the process and the delicious results.

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, bananas provide dietary fiber, promoting good digestive health and helping to keep you feeling full.

Including bananas in your diet can contribute to overall well-being. Their natural sugars provide quick energy, making banana bread an ideal post-workout snack. With the added benefit of whole ingredients, this recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

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

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor.