The Best Banana Bread Recipe (with Video)

I discovered that bananas with dark brown or black peels produce the sweetest, most flavorful bread. Fresh yellow bananas simply cannot match the richness.

Using melted butter instead of oil creates a deeper flavor profile while maintaining moisture.

Overmixing the batter is the biggest mistake beginners make. Gentle mixing ensures a soft and tender crumb.

Resting banana bread for at least 30 minutes after baking enhances texture and flavor significantly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 12 slices

Yield: 1 loaf using 9×5 inch pan

Core Ingredients

• 2 to 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Optional Ingredients That Improve Flavor

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture

Step 1: Preheat oven to 175°C or 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mash ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork until smooth.

Step 3: Stir melted butter into mashed bananas.

Step 4: Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Sprinkle baking soda and salt. Mix gently.

Step 6: Add flour last and stir gently until just combined.

Step 7: Pour batter into loaf pan.

Step 8: Bake for 60 minutes until golden brown.

Always use room temperature eggs. This improves batter consistency.

Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Let bread cool completely before slicing. Cutting too early ruins texture.