Homemade banana bread is one of our favorite treats for spontaneous visitors, whether it’s a grab-and-go breakfast or special lunch box snack. This simple banana bread will wow your family and friends with its moist texture and wonderful banana flavor.

It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea with a dollop of melted butter on top. Although we love snacking on slices for breakfast, you can enjoy them at any time of the day, from morning to evening. For a decadent dessert, top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Learn how to make banana bread and bake a loaf today to enjoy all week long.

Ingredients for Banana Bread

Pantry staples come together for this quick and easy banana bread packed with sweet banana flavor. To make banana bread you will need:

• Butter: It adds richness and moisture to the bread and helps make the crumbs soft.
• Granulated sugar: It sweetens the bread and helps it brown evenly.
• Large eggs: It binds the materials together.
• All-purpose flour: It gives the banana bread its structure.
• Baking soda: Leavening agent that helps bread rise.
• Salt: It enhances the overall flavor of the loaf.
• Ripe bananas: Add natural sweetness and moisture to bread.
• Butter for serving: Optional for more richness and flavor.

How to Make Banana Bread

If you’re wondering how to consume these ripe bananas, just 15 minutes of prep time will give you this delicious, tender loaf; This is a no-brainer! The full instructions are below, but before you get started, here’s a quick summary:

• Step 1. Prepare the dough: Preheat the oven and grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Combine flour, soda and salt. Add to the dough and stir just to combine. Mix the bananas.
• Step 2. Cook and cool: Pour the dough into the pan with a spoon. Bake at 325°F until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, protecting with foil if necessary to prevent excessive browning. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes before slicing.

Banana Bread Varieties

To shake up this classic banana bread recipe, consider these variations:

• Spice: Add ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or other spices as desired.
• Sugar: For more depth, replace some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
• Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest for a touch of citrus.
• Reputation: Combining all-purpose flour with whole wheat or oat flour for a healthy boost.
• Whirlpool: Stir in Nutella or peanut butter before baking.
• Extracts: For added complexity, add some vanilla, maple or almond extract.
• Blends: Add some interest by folding in chopped pecans or pecans, flavored or chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or other additions as desired.
• Toppings: Sprinkle oats, nuts, chocolate chips, seeds, or any other toppings you like over the loaf.

Our Tips for the Best Banana Bread

If you’re wondering how to take your banana bread one step further, these tips will help you get the best results every time:

• Choose the right bananas: Unripe or just-ripe bananas do not have the same flavor or sweetness as ripe bananas. Fragrant, browned bananas are best for baking and add the most flavor and moisture possible to your loaf.
• Spoon and level: For the most consistent results, spoon and scale (or weigh) your flour when measuring it.
• Do not overmix: Stir until combined to prevent the banana bread from developing a dense or rubbery texture.
• Avoid overcooking: To keep the loaf moist, bake until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or add a few moist crumbs.
• Cool on a rack: Cool on a wire rack to ensure best air flow to prevent the loaf from getting soggy.

How to Store Banana Bread

There are a few options when it comes to storing your banana bread. If you plan to serve within a few days, you can prepare the loaf in advance, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature. You can also store leftover banana bread slices, tightly wrapped, at room temperature for a day or two.

For longer storage, refrigerate banana bread for up to five days, or wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to three months. Individual slices will thaw quickly at room temperature, offering an easy on-the-go snack when you need it most.

Ways to Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be served any time of the day. Pair it with coffee or tea, yogurt, and/or fresh fruit for a simple yet satisfying meal for breakfast. Enjoy them toasted with butter, nut butter, or cream cheese as an afternoon snack, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

To spice things up for dessert, add slices of grilled or toasted bread and top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream and some whipped cream. caramel or chocolate sauce and a pinch candied hazelnuts for extra flair.

More Quick Bread Recipes You’ll Love

Quick breads are easy to make and always a delicious addition to breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or dessert. These fruit-focused recipes will take you through every season: