Sweet Homemade Banana Bread (Moist, Classic & Comforting)
Homemade banana bread is a timeless comfort recipe that turns simple pantry ingredients into something warm, moist, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect way to use ripe bananas and fills your kitchen with a cozy, familiar aroma as it bakes. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat to share, banana bread is a recipe that never goes out of style.
What makes this banana bread especially reliable is its simplicity. There’s no special equipment required, and the batter comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The result is a tender loaf with rich banana flavor and a soft crumb that stays moist for days.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60–65 minutes
Total Time: 70–75 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic homemade banana bread, gather the following ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
⅓ cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
1½ cups all-purpose flour
These straightforward ingredients work together to create a banana bread that’s moist, flavorful, and comforting.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, then stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your home will fill with the warm, comforting scent of banana bread.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips & Variations
For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Chocolate chips also make a delicious addition if you prefer a sweeter loaf. If your bananas aren’t very ripe, letting them sit at room temperature for a day or two will help deepen their sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana bread on its own, lightly toasted with butter, or alongside coffee or tea. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or yogurt for a simple breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Individual slices can be frozen and reheated as needed for a quick, comforting snack.