Classic Banana Bread
Classic Banana Bread, this is the perfect Banana recipes for all of those over ripe bananas. It makes the perfect snack or dessert bread. Not too sweet perfect anytime!
Classic Banana Bread, one of the Italian’s favourites, just how he likes it, no crumb topping, no frosting, nothing fancy!
Lately I have been making desserts more to my liking, Toffee Caramel Cheesecake, then to his. So he asked me if I remembered that delicious banana bread I used to make? “Remember, just bananas, no fancy frosting or glaze! and look we even have some in the fruit bowl”? So I really had no excuse.
I have a husband who in the morning has a big mug of caffè latte and he dunks anything and pretty well everything in it. Believe me it took me ages to get used to that. Whenever I make Sweet Loaf Breads or Muffins and I hear splash, my next question is “Did you actually taste that”? And believe it or not he does, he even knows if it was too dry or too moist. Or so he says.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- Flour – all purpose flour
- Sugar – brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Eggs – two eggs room temperature
- Butter
- Bananas – two very ripe bananas
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
While you can substitute white sugar, brown sugar is recommended as it adds moisture and a richer flavor due to its molasses content.
How to make Banana Bread
In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a medium bowl beat eggs and melted butter.
Combine with the dry ingredients and beat until combined, then add the mashed bananas and beat until just combined. Don’t over beat.
Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and bake. Let cool before serving.
Why use ripe bananas?
You are going to want to use fully ripe bananas or even over ripe bananas. I usually use bananas that are starting to turn black. Very ripe bananas are easier to mash, which means that they will incorporate easier into the recipe, they are also sweeter and they have more flavour.
Can you add extras?
Yes you can, the best additions are chopped dried fruit, such as prunes or apricots, dried berries, raisins or even some chocolate chips. You could add nuts like walnuts or pecans.
More Banana Recipes
- Old Fashioned Banana Cake
- Easy Banana Crumb Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
- No Churn Chocolate Chip Banana Ice Cream
This classic Banana Bread recipe is perfect on its own or if you are like me, a little butter doesn’t hurt. I have actually heard whispered behind my back “would you like some banana bread with that butter”? Enjoy!
Classic Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup butter (melted & cooled)
- 2 bananas mashed (very ripe or over ripe)
If you use unsalted butter then add 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven 350F/180C. Grease and flour or spray a 9 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a medium bowl beat the eggs and melted cooled butter. Add to the dry ingredients and beat just until combined, add the mashed bananas and beat until just combined, don't over beat.
- Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes clean. Let cool and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Tips
- If you prefer you can use oil (such as vegetable, coconut or light olive oil) instead of butter.
- For room temperature ingredients, remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.
How to store it
The baked bread should be stored in an airtight bag or container, so it doesn’t dry out. Be sure to wrap it well. It will keep for four days at room temperature or you can store it in the fridge for a week.How to freeze Banana Bread
The baked and completely cooled loaf should be wrapped well in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer safe bag or container. The bread will last up to four months in the freezer. Or you can freeze individual wrapped slices, stored separately or in a large freezer bag, and just remove a slice whenever you are craving banana bread.Nutrition
Updated from April 15, 2020.
This is the best banana bread I have ever made!! It is not overly sweet, it is perfect.
It is so simple and only requires two bowls!! I can really taste the banana with only two bananas, I love it!! I tried using coconut oil and added 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Wow, fabulous!! Will definitely make again. Thank you so much!!
Hi Kathy, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Take care!
Thanks for sharing your recipe, I made this banana bread last weekend and it was delicious everyone enjoyed it 🤤 😋
Hi Sonia, thanks so much, so glad everyone enjoyed it. Take care and have a great week!
Delicious!!! This recipe was simple, and the end result was so amazing – so moist! This will now be my go-to recipe for banana bread. Also, I added in some chopped dates which made it even better, and because I’m a big fan of cinnamon; I added a little more. Overall…scrumptious!
Thank you Rosemary x
Hi Barbi, thanks so glad you liked it, great idea with the dates! Take care.
Best banana bread I have ever had! Simple recipe, not too sweet or heavy in calories. Will definitely make again!
Thanks Barbara, glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
I made this multiple times already and my dad is always the biggest fan! He loves eating it in the morning with a cup of coffee~
Hi Cosmina, thanks, so glad you dad enjoys it. Take care.
I have not tried this yet, but the recipe I have been using calls for white sugar, I have been using half and half and that seems to work out nicely. Also using rice bran oil instead of vegetable oil.
I have been making the same one for many years so really looking forward to this one!
Yummy!! Added walnuts in the mixture and ended off with chocolate chips on top ❤️
Hi Rosemary. I follow lots of your recipes but always get tripped up on the baking soda/baking powder question. I live in Italy and have access to either Lievito Pane degli Angeli or baking soda. Is there a general rule you follow when you’re using Italian supplies?
Hi Laura, so in Italian baking soda is “Bicarbonato” so when a recipe calls for baking soda that’s what I use, but when it calls for baking powder I use “Lievito Pane degli Angeli” and then when I use yeast I use “Lievito di Birra – Mastro Fornaio”. Hope that helps.
Here is a trick from Alton Brown. When you have bananas that you have not eaten that are turning very ripe, put them in the freezer in the skin. When you are ready to make a banana bread, take the frozen bananas that you need out and let them thaw. You will only need an hour or two. When you are ready to use the bananas for the recipe, cut the stem off and squeeze the goo inside into the recipe, as if you are squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste. This always works perfectly, and cuts down on the advanced planning you need to make a banana bread.
A good classic banana bread recipe is always a great staple to have in the house! I love using over rip bananas to make banana bread!
Hi Vicky and Ruth, me too, one of my favourite sweet breads.
I’ve been making banana bread and muffins for my grandson for quite some time. I’ve tried a coupe of different recipes and not one called for brown sugar. This looks fantastic. Will definitely be making. Thank you.