Banana Banana Bread Recipe (with Video)

Banana Banana Bread Recipe (with Video)

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Our most popular banana bread is moist, delicious, and absolutely packed with banana flavor. This Allrecipes community favorite will quickly become your go-to banana bread recipe!

Banana Bread Ingredients

You likely already have all the ingredients you'll need for this banana bread recipe on hand. If not, here's what to add to your grocery list:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour gives the banana bread structure.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavener, helping the banana bread rise.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, but it won't make the loaf taste salty.
  • Butter: A stick of butter lends richness, moisture, and irresistible flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens things up and adds a hint of warmth.
  • Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the batter come together.
  • Bananas: Choose overripe bananas for the best results.

How to Make Banana Bread

Follow these simple steps to make your perfect banana bread:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  3. In another large bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the eggs and mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well blended.
  5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Enjoy your fresh, homemade banana bread!

How to Make Banana Bread Moist

This banana bread is super moist thanks to butter, eggs, and brown sugar, which adds more moisture than white sugar. Mashed bananas also bring plenty of moisture to the mix. Be sure to store the bread properly to keep it moist for several days.

How Long to Bake Banana Bread

Your banana bread should be perfectly baked after around an hour at 350F. To test, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it, as it helps the bread hold its shape.

Test Kitchen Tips

Here are some tips from culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin to help you perfect your banana bread:

  • Use ripe bananas with some brown spots for the best flavor.
  • The easiest way to mash bananas? Use a fork!
  • If you're using a smaller loaf pan, increase the baking time by a few minutes.

How to Store Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, place a paper towel at the bottom of an airtight or zip-top bag. Place the cooled bread on top and cover with another paper towel before sealing tightly.

How Long Does Banana Bread Last?

Banana bread will stay fresh at room temperature for about 4 days. If you decide to freeze it, it will last 2 to 4 months.

Can You Freeze Banana Bread?

Yes, banana bread can be frozen! Wrap the cooled loaf in one layer of storage wrap, then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze individual slices if you don't plan to thaw the entire loaf at once.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This was a very simple and quick recipe to make," says Leslie J. "I only added one teaspoon of vanilla extract just because I like the flavor of vanilla. It has a firm crust with a moist middle."

"Simple recipe that never fails," says Jheley. "We love it! It's now my go-to! I've added nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips (not all at once, but as variations to experiment a bit), and they've all been great. I've also made them as muffins, and it literally never fails!"

"This turned out so yummy," raves Britt Pfaff. "I'm pretty sure this is the recipe I use every year but always forget! The only change I made was adding vanilla extract and walnuts. I doubled the recipe to make two loaves, and my 6-year-old daughter loved making it with me!"

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the brown sugar and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth.
  4. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well combined.
  5. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 231
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g

Servings per recipe: 12

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your needs.

Banana Banana Bread Recipe (with Video)

Banana Banana Bread

Banana bread, a beloved and comforting treat, has been around for decades, yet its exact origin is somewhat murky. While the modern version became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, variations of banana-based baked goods likely date back much further. The popularity of banana bread surged in the 1930s, especially after the invention of baking soda and baking powder, which made it easier to prepare quick breads without yeast. Today, the Banana Banana Bread recipe has become a staple in kitchens across the world, cherished for its moist texture and intense banana flavor.

Regional Variations of Banana Bread

Banana bread's regional variations can be found around the globe, each with its own unique twist. In the U.S., the classic version is typically made with mashed bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. However, some regions and home bakers experiment with additional ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts (especially walnuts and pecans), or spices like cinnamon and vanilla. In countries like Trinidad and the Philippines, banana bread may be enriched with coconut or even rum, offering a tropical flair to the traditional recipe. Each region's unique climate and available ingredients influence the subtle changes in flavor and texture.

How Banana Bread Differs from Similar Dishes

Banana bread stands apart from other similar baked goods, such as banana muffins or cakes, in both texture and method of preparation. While banana muffins are typically more airy and are baked in smaller portions, banana bread is denser, often baked in a loaf pan. The high banana content in banana bread contributes to its moistness, which is a key characteristic that sets it apart from drier cakes. Another distinction is that banana bread is a quick bread, meaning it uses baking soda or powder instead of yeast to rise, making it much faster to prepare compared to yeast-based breads like banana challah or brioche.

Where is Banana Bread Typically Served?

Banana bread is commonly served in a variety of settings, from casual brunches to cozy family gatherings. It's a perfect dish for morning tea or coffee, thanks to its sweet, comforting flavors. Many people enjoy it as a breakfast item, while others prefer it as a snack or dessert. It's often baked in large batches and shared among friends and family or given as a thoughtful homemade gift. In some parts of the world, such as the U.S. and Canada, banana bread is also a popular item at bake sales, where it is often sold as a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Fun Facts About Banana Bread

  • Bananas Don't Have to Be Perfect: Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. Their natural sweetness and softer texture help create a moist loaf. This is one of the reasons why banana bread is often made as a way to use up bananas that are too ripe for eating raw.
  • Banana Bread as a Trend: In recent years, banana bread has experienced a resurgence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home bakers, stuck at home and seeking comfort, took to social media to share their banana bread creations. The trend became so popular that it even led to "Banana Bread Day" in some countries!
  • Global Influence: Different regions of the world add their own ingredients to banana bread, such as chocolate, nuts, spices, or even coconut milk. These variations highlight the global love for banana bread and its adaptability to different tastes and climates.
  • Banana Bread and Health: While banana bread is delicious, it can also be modified to be healthier. Many recipes substitute some of the butter or sugar for healthier options, such as Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, or honey. There are even vegan versions that replace eggs with flaxseeds or chia seeds.

Whether enjoyed as a warm slice for breakfast or shared with loved ones during an afternoon tea, banana bread is a dish that continues to delight people of all ages. Its rich history, simple preparation, and versatility make it an enduring favorite across cultures and generations.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

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FAQ about Banana Banana Bread Recipe (with Video)

To store banana bread, place a paper towel at the bottom of an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Put the cooled banana bread on top, and cover it with another paper towel before sealing the container tightly. This will help keep the bread fresh.

Banana bread will stay fresh at room temperature for about 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, and it will last 2 to 4 months in the freezer.

Yes, you can freeze banana bread. To do so, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in one layer of storage wrap, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. If you prefer, you can freeze individual slices, which allows you to thaw only the amount you need.

The easiest way to mash bananas for banana bread is by using a fork. Simply peel the overripe bananas and mash them in a bowl until they reach the desired consistency.

For the best results, use overripe bananas that are yellow with brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and softer, making them ideal for banana bread.

Bake banana bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Yes, you can use a smaller or larger pan. If you use a smaller pan, increase the baking time slightly. If using a larger pan, reduce the baking time, and keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn't overbake.

To enhance the flavor, you can add ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg. You can also experiment by adding nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

The easiest way to check if banana bread is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

While butter is preferred for its rich flavor and moisture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just be sure to use the same amount, and the bread should still turn out fine.

Yes, you can make banana bread without eggs. To replace the eggs, use an egg substitute like unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

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