The Best Basic Banana Bread is the classic banana bread recipe we all love. It’s moist, decadent, and balanced with just the right touch of sweetness.

Top off your loaf with crushed walnuts and sugar for a caramelized crunch.

This banana bread recipe is my go-to when I have extra ripe bananas on my countertop. 🍌

A hand reaching in and grabbing a slice of banana bread.

Why KJ Loves

The Best Basic Banana Bread

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The Best Basic Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of those recipes that is so personal and homey – and I just love this recipe! The perfect way to use up those ripe bananas!

Making It Easy

Banana bread should be effortless and delicious. A simple recipe that fills your house with a comforting aroma.

That’s why this recipe only uses basic ingredients you’re likely to have on hand. Plus, you won’t even need a mixer!

Why This is the Best Banana Bread Recipe

Easy Steps

Simply mash up the bananas, mix up the ingredients, and bake. You’ll end up with a delicious loaf in no time.

Basic Ingredients

This banana bread recipe uses basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry. No last-minute grocery store runs 😅

Flexible Recipe

Add chocolate chips. Go nut-free. Make it vegan. There are many ways to make this the best banana bread for you.

Banana Bonanza

If you’re like me, there are usually a few bananas on my countertop just past their prime — which is a great excuse to make banana bread!

The best bananas for banana bread are ripe (and even a bit overripe!), which means they’ll be yellow with brown speckles or spots.

But if your bananas are still a bit green, don’t worry! You may still have a fresh loaf of banana bread in the near future…

How to ripen bananas

If you can wait a day or two, try placing your bananas in a brown paper bag. This will speed up the ripening process!

If you need banana bread, like…now, there’s an option for you too.

Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 300 degrees until the skin turns black (about 15-20 minutes). Cool before using.

Banana bread batter being poured into a loaf pan.

Banana Bread Lineup

Bananas

Ripe and ready!

Vegetable oil

If you want, you can substitute melted butter for a different flavor and texture.

Sugar

You can always lower the amount if you’d like your loaf to be less sweet.

Eggs

Vanilla extract

Flour

Baking soda

Salt

Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional!)

Equipment You’ll Need:

Mix It Up!

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Vegan Banana Bread

Make your banana bread vegan by eliminating the eggs and using 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a gooey, sweet twist on this banana bread recipe. You can’t go wrong with chocolate.

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Banana Nut Bread

Go nuts! Choose your favorite chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans and mix them into the batter, or top the bread with nuts and 2 teaspoons of sugar.

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Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat

Try whole-wheat flour or gluten-free flour that is cup-for-cup to regular flour. Or, you could go half white flour, half whole wheat flour for a semi-hearty loaf.

How to Make the Best Banana Bread (…Ever)

Heat & Smash.

Preheat your oven. In a large bowl, smash the bananas until smooth.

Whisk & Fold.

Whisk in the vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined and the batter has formed.

Bake & Devour.

Spray a standard bread pan with cooking spray and pour the banana bread batter into the pan. Evenly top with the chopped walnuts and the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar.

Bake until the top is golden brown and the banana bread is cooked all the way through. Let the loaf cool slightly in the pan before turning it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely (this will make it easier to slice!).

Then, cut into your bake-off worthy banana bread and enjoy.

Wash the dishes. How sad.

A golden brown loaf of banana bread prior to slicing.

Life Hack

Life can get bananas.

…bad jokes aside, mornings can be rough. Pack each slice of banana bread into small zip baggies for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Storing the bread this way also keeps the slices from drying out!

Banana Bread FAQ

How can I tell if the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is good to go!

What if the bread is browning too quickly?

Grab some aluminum foil and place it over the top of the banana bread as it finishes baking.

Can I use a glass pan?

Yes, you can use a glass loaf pan. However, reduce the oven temperature slightly, as glass conducts heat differently than metal.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, this banana bread batter also works for muffins. Make sure to reduce the baking time significantly — banana bread muffins will bake faster!

How do I keep the stored banana bread moist?

Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a Ziploc bag to keep it moist for several days.

Looking for other Banana Recipes? Check these out!

Frosted Banana Bars

Pumpkin Banana Bread

Banana Cream Pudding