Banana Bread Recipe

This foolproof banana bread recipe creates a moist, tender loaf in just 75 minutes. Perfect for using overripe bananas, this recipe yields 12 slices of classic comfort food. Each slice contains 165 calories and can be customized with chocolate chips or nuts. Total cost: $5-7 per loaf. Keeps fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or 3 months frozen.

Print Pin

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 55

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: slices

Calories: 165kcal

Cost: $2.50

Equipment

9x5-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups (dry)
Liquid measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk
Potato masher or fork (for bananas)
Wire cooling rack
Toothpicks (for testing)

Ingredients

3 medium ripe bananas about 1½ cups mashed
⅓ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preparation (15 minutes)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray
Line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
Gather all ingredients and bring to room temperature

Mixing (10 minutes)

Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth
Whisk in melted butter until combined
Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla until well blended
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt
Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined
If using, gently stir in chocolate chips and/or nuts

Baking (55-60 minutes)

Pour batter into prepared pan
Smooth top with spatula
Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes
Test with toothpick at 50 minutes
Cool in pan for 10 minutes
Remove and cool completely on wire rack

Notes

Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe, heavily speckled bananas
Mixing: Don't overmix - stop when ingredients are just combined
Temperature: All ingredients should be at room temperature
Pan Size: Recipe specifically designed for 9x5-inch pan
Altitude Adjustments:
- 3,000-5,000 ft: Add 2 tablespoon flour
- 5,000-7,000 ft: Add 3 tablespoon flour
Doneness Test: Toothpick should come out clean or with few crumbs

Nutrition