Simple Banana Bread says it all. Basic ingredients, simple to make, moist and foolproof. The old-fashioned classic never goes out of style.
This banana quick bread only uses 5 ingredients. Not too sweet. Filled with dark flecks. The best recipe for using ripe bananas.
Homemade easy banana bread from scratch is ideal toasted for breakfast, and paired with coffee or tea in the afternoon. We even enjoy it as a dessert too. A family favourite.
I love when the simple things in life give us so much pleasure. You know what I am talking about. Those simple yet so delicious foods grandma used to make. Minimal ingredients. Minimal effort.
Back in the day when my baba had no fancy equipment to help her mix, cut or even measure the correct temperature. No gourmet ingredients, just simple, basic stuff out of the garden and a few standard store staples.
Classic Banana Bread Ingredients
- butter
- sugar
- eggs
- mashed bananas (ripe bananas work best)
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
This ultimate banana bread recipe is a reflection of those good old days. The days when food was a labour of love. When some of the best dinners were made with only a few ingredients, yet they tasted as if they came out of a Michelin Star restaurant. If you have watched the Nonnas on Netflix, you will know what I am talking about.
How ripe should bananas be for baking? For baking, ripe bananas are best. They usually are soft to the touch with lots of black spots on the peel.
You can place them in a paper bag for 1-2 days. If you need to ripen them in a hurry, use the oven. Warm unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes at 250ºF (and cool before using).
You can also use the microwave. Using a fork or knife, poke through the peel on all sides. Place the banana in the microwave for 30 second intervals until they soften.
Can you freeze ripe bananas? Yes, all you have to do is peel them and place them in freezer bags for use later.
Simple Banana Bread From Scratch
You don’t need fancy equipment. I used a *(affiliate) handheld mixer. I know baba would have only used a *(affiliate) wooden spoon. Full instructions are in the recipe card.
- In a small bowl mash the bananas with a fork.
- In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in the mashed bananas.
- Put the batter in a *(affiliate) loaf pan.
- Bake until done.
This recipe is perfect for anyone just learning to bake. Only a few ingredients, simple directions and delicious results.
My grandkids beg me to make this all the time. My grandson has a hard time deciding between this and baked pumpkin donuts as his favourite snack.
Suggestions / Recipe Tips
- Do not over-mix, it will create a solid batter. Overmixing will cause the bread to not rise properly, and be under-baked.
- Be sure to test your bread for doneness before the allotted baking time. You don’t want to over-bake it. I use a *(affiliate) cake tester.
- Use the exact amount of bananas stated in the recipe. If you add more, the bread will be very dense.
- Add some chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to the batter before baking. Don’t use more than a cup.
- Add some nuts to the batter. Walnuts and pecans would be great.
- Don’t worry if your banana loaf cracks on the top. This happens because the loaf continues to rise after the top has set.
Store wrapped on the counter. Have you tried *(affiliate) Abeego beeswax wraps? They are amazing. The bread is kept fresh for 3-4 days, and these are environmentally friendly. We all need to pitch in and help save the planet. You can also keep it wrapped in the fridge for longer storage.
Banana bread is perfect for freezing too. I like to make several loaves at a time. You can freeze the whole loaf by tightly wrapping it in food film. You can also wrap up individual slices.
This banana bread recipe is easily converted into muffins. Pour the batter into a *(affiliate) muffin pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Still looking for some delicious banana recipes? I have a few right here:
- You can never go wrong with this Best Banana Cake recipe. It is a secret family recipe.
- Rocky Road Banana Bread is decadent and delicious.
- How about a banana split for breakfast? A healthy way to start the day.
- Banana Popsicles are a huge hit in the summer.
Super Simple Banana Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mashed banana (2 medium ripe bananas)
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare a 9-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Place all the dry ingredients (except the sugar) in a small bowl, and mix with a whisk to combine.
- In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas (enough to produce 1 cup) and set aside.
- In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar. (I used a hand held mixer. Feel free to just use a spoon like the old-fashioned method).
- Combine the eggs one at a time. Mix well.
- Add in the mashed banana. Mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
- Scrape batter into a prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 50 minutes until done. Bread should be nice and brown. Use a cake tester to make sure it is done in the middle.
- Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before removing from pan.
- Once cool (or until you can’t wait anymore) slice and ENJOY!
Denise
That is one beautiful loaf of bread! I love banana and zucchini breads with a good cup of tea or coffee. This is perfect weekend breakfast for me. Love that you only use 5 ingredients too!
Homemade & Yummy
Basic recipes rise to the top every time.
Lois Christensen
Everyone needs to have a simple basic recipe for banana bread in their recipe box! Thanks for sharing.
Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome…ENJOY!
Tina
Grandmas generation really knew how to cook from scratch. My parents generation was the first generation with the convenience foods and somehow cooking from scratch went away. It’s nice to see that our generation is picking up cooking again and making wholesome meals for the family. Your banana bread looks like the bees knees, delicious! Thanks for sharing this.
Homemade & Yummy
HAHAH….the bees knees indeed!!
Jolina
Looks perfect! I have a banana bread recipe (it has chocolate chips) but I can never quite get it right. Either it’s too moist, or too dry, or sinks in the middle. I’d love to try your recipe, maybe it’s time I throw the recipe I’m working on out the window lol!
Homemade & Yummy
This is perfect EVERY TIME!! Hope you give it a try.
Stine Mari
I made banana bread last weekend, and you are so right – it is the simple pleasures in life! This recipe looks so amazing, I wish I had it right now.
Homemade & Yummy
I need to make another one this week.
Amanda
I love how simple yet delicious this recipe is! Banana bread always takes me back to my childhood. It’s always been one of my favorites, so thank you for such a great recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
Funny how banana bread has such food memories. Oldies but goodies.
Kelly Anthony
Banana bread brings me back to my childhood of waking up and smelling it being baked by my mom. Banana bread for me is such a comforting food.
Homemade & Yummy
I know, I could eat it every day…so good.
Leslie-Anne
Nothing, I mean, nothing beats banana bread like this. Sometimes it’s fun to add in other ingredients but I really do think it shines best on its own (maybe with some butter or ghee on it!). I make banana bread quite a bit for my kids’ lunch boxes, I’ll have to give your recipe a try next time.
Homemade & Yummy
Oh yes…BUTTER for sure!!
Sues
Everyone needs a good banana bread recipe in their arsenal! I love how simple and easy-to-make this one is… And so delicious, too!
Homemade & Yummy
It sure is. A staple for sure…and always welcomed any time of day.
Jillian
I love, love Banana Bread! Over ripe bananas are a staple in my home so I’m always up for trying new, tasty Banana Bread recipes like this one!
Homemade & Yummy
Banana bread is so good. My grandson has asked for a loaf all his own.
Lindsey Pine
I haven’t made banana bread in such a long time!! You have definitely inspired me to bake a loaf this weekend!
Homemade & Yummy
It is so easy to make. We love it all day long.
Danielle
I LOVE banana bread, but I normally buy it at coffee shops – this looks like the perfect recipe to make at home.
Homemade & Yummy
No need to buy…this is super easy to make. Homemade is always best.
Bhawana
Gloria, while typing I am smelling this banana bread. loving this version of making it and many another version you mentioned. I also have a whole wheat eggless banana bread. Loving the softness of it.
Homemade & Yummy
I have not met a banana bread I did not like….but my heart is this old-fashioned version.
Julie
I’m really hungry for banana bread right now! I can’t believe how people used to bake without a recipe. Those ladies were engineers the way they turned out food. I would love a few of the recipes that my grandmother made but like yours, not a recipe card in sight. I’ll be making this recipe and taking a peek at your other banana inspired recipes!
Homemade & Yummy
OMG, when I look at some of the stuff my mom wrote down, I think how does this make any sense. Yet…we always had delicious food.
Lesli Schwartz
I do love a good banana bread! This looks like a simple and delicious recipe. Will have to give this one a go!
Homemade & Yummy
Simple and delicious for sure. Hope you give it a try soon.