Name: Traditional Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil); ¾ cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 45 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Traditional Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with sweet, ripe banana flavor and boasting a moist, tender crumb, this classic quick bread turns simple pantry staples into a truly comforting and versatile loaf. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, it’s a timeless recipe that never fails to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: there are three ripe yellow bananas with brown spots on the right, and above them a small white bowl filled with white sugar; to the left of the sugar bowl is a white bowl with white flour, and below the flour a single brown egg and a small stick of butter. On the far left, a white bowl holds many walnut halves. Below the walnuts are four small clear glass bowls arranged in a square, containing cinnamon powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, with a small bowl of honey in the front center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the simple ingredients for this Traditional Banana Bread Recipe is the first step toward creating something magical. Each element plays a distinct role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that perfect rise and texture you crave.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show that provides natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread wonderfully tender.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil): Adds richness and helps create a soft crumb without overpowering the bananas’ flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar): Sweetens the bread; brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure and fluffiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure without heaviness.
Optional add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips: For a delightful crunch or a bit of indulgence.

How to Make Traditional Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures your banana bread comes out perfectly every time without sticking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Mashed Bananas, Butter, and Sugar

In a large bowl, blend your mashed bananas with the melted butter and sugar. This mixture creates the sweet, moist base that makes this Traditional Banana Bread Recipe so irresistibly tender. Mixing carefully at this stage builds the flavor foundation.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, whisk in your eggs and vanilla extract. These enrich the batter, contribute to its texture, and elevate the aroma, creating a lovely depth that complements the bananas beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Baking Soda and Salt

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the batter to ensure even distribution. Stir gently to incorporate these crucial ingredients, which help your loaf rise and balance the flavor.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—the goal is a tender crumb, so mixing too vigorously can make your bread tough.

Step 6: Add Optional Extras

If you love texture and contrast, toss in your chosen add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These are optional but highly recommended for a little festive twist on this Traditional Banana Bread Recipe.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience at this stage pays off with perfect slices.

How to Serve Traditional Banana Bread Recipe

Traditional Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A light spread of butter or cream cheese can enhance the already rich flavors of the banana bread. For a touch of indulgence, drizzle some honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top—it’s simple but utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Traditional Banana Bread Recipe is quite versatile and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a balanced meal with a hint of sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Turn your banana bread into a dessert by slicing and toasting the pieces, then topping with mascarpone and a handful of toasted nuts. Or, transform leftovers into banana bread French toast for a decadent brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, refrigerating will keep it fresh for about a week without drying it out.

Freezing

This Traditional Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you want a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring your banana bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. A little warmth revives its softness and enhances the comforting aroma, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Traditional Banana Bread Recipe will be. Those brown spots mean the sugars are intensified, which takes the taste to the next level.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter on hand?

You can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, which will keep the bread moist. Just remember to reduce any added salt slightly if using salted butter instead.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just be mindful some blends behave differently, so the texture may vary slightly.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser and tougher banana bread. Folding the flour in gently ensures your loaf stays soft and tender, exactly how this Traditional Banana Bread Recipe intends it.

How do I prevent the top of my banana bread from over-browning?

If you notice the top browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, simply cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking. This lets the bread finish baking without burning the crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about pulling a loaf of Traditional Banana Bread Recipe from the oven—the cozy aroma, the golden crust, and the promise of a comforting bite. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make but hard to forget. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give it a try. Trust me, once you do, this classic will become one of your all-time favorites too.