Best Banana Bread Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This is the Best Banana Bread Recipe, perfected for flavor, moisture, and ease. With a full cup of ripe bananas and simple ingredients, it’s a fan-favored recipe that guarantees a delicious, comforting loaf every time to seasoned bakers and beginners. Plus, it’s been praised in 1500+ reviews across multiple platforms!

• Incredibly Moist & Soft: Thanks to my secret ingredient oats and the secret trick of using aluminum foil, your banana bread stays tender and flavorful.
• Banana Flavor at its Best: Packed with 3 ripe bananas, it’s bursting with sweet, rich flavor.
• Easy to Make: A prep of only 20 minutes with simple steps that anyone can follow, ensuring a perfect loaf every time.
• Fan-Favored & Chef-Perfected: Tested and perfected to deliver a moist, flavorful loaf that fans rave about.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a cherished family banana bread recipe you keep on hand. But no more frantic searches for that forgotten scrap of paper! This recipe is your go-to, fail-proof solution for perfectly moist, flavorful banana bread.

And if you’re craving a new twist on this classic, I have a whole collection of variations you can try:

• Mia’s Family Banana Nut Bread
• The Fastest Way to Make Banana Bread
• The Softest Sour Cream Banana Bread
• The Essential Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Warm & Comforting Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Homemade Banana Bread Muffins
• Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread
• Must-Try Blueberry Banana Bread
• 3 Incredible Ways To Use Banana Bread
• Incredible Banana Bread French Toast
• Banana Bread Brownies
• Elegant Banana Bread Trifle
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

With years of banana bread baking experience, I’ve perfected the ultimate recipe by combining the best techniques and flavors. Keep reading for my tips to assure you a flawless loaf every time.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“I’ve cooked banana bread for over 50 years. This is the best recipe to date! I’ve made this specific recipe for the past couple of years. It’s my “welcome to the community” gift to new neighbors who have ALWAYS asked for the recipe.” — Rita

” As I write this, I am waiting for my banana bread to cool down as it’s still wrapped in foil. I have never had much luck with banana bread recipes until I tried yours and finally got a perfect loaf! That is now my only banana bread recipe!! ” — Lisa

“I can guarantee this is the best banana bread you’ve ever had and so easy to make. It’s my go-to recipe and my husband asks for me to make this all the time!” — Sarah P.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated and improved on 12/21/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make ahead and storage instructions, mix-ins and variations, answers to the latest frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What is Banana Bread?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make the Best Banana Bread Recipe
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• Banana Bread Mix-ins and Variations
• How To Make Banana Bread Moist
• How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Bread
• FAQs
• More Quick Bread Recipes

What is Banana Bread?

Banana bread is a moist, sweet, and soft cake-like loaf made from ripe bananas. It’s a beloved treat, often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast, and can be customized with add-ins like nuts, chocolate, or spices.

• Main ingredient: Ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
• Texture: Soft, moist, and slightly dense.
• Versatile: Can include nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.
• Flavor: Sweet, with a rich banana taste.
• Baking method: Easy to make by mixing wet and dry ingredients, then baking in a loaf pan.
• Appeal: Offers a feeling of warmth and comfort, perfect for satisfying cravings.

Fun Fact about Banana Bread:

Banana bread, originally a savory dish, transformed into the sweet, moist loaf we enjoy today in the 1930s. Thanks to the invention of baking soda and powder, it became easier to make without yeast, and the recipe evolved into the beloved treat we know now!

Tools You Need for Making Banana Bread

• 9×5 loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons 
• Measuring cups
• Measuring jugs
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

All-purpose Flour

• Also known as “AP” or “plain flour”,  it has a 9-11% protein content to provide structure and texture to the bread.
• Substitute: Replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber or use a gluten-free flour blend or Easy Almond Flour Baking Mix for a gluten-free option.

Quick Cooking Oats

• Adds texture, moisture, and a slight chewiness.
• Substitute: 
  • I don’t recommend using rolled oats as they don’t really cook out. Do NOT use steel-cut oats.
  • You may try instant oats, oat flour, almond flour, whole wheat flour, ground flax seeds, or chia seeds for rolled oats starting at a 1:1 ratio. Note to adjust the wet ingredients to get the same consistency as the recipe.

Granulated Sugar

• Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
• Substitute: Honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, or other sugar-free options such as stevia from my Sugar Substitute Chart for a sugar-free option.

Baking Powder

• Leavens the bread and helps it rise.

Baking Soda

• Helps with leavening and provides lift to the bread.

Cinnamon

• Adds warmth and flavor to the bread.
• Substitute: Nutmeg, mixed spices or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.

Salt

• Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Bananas

• Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor.
• Substitute: Applesauce or mashed avocado for moisture, but will alter the flavor.

Eggs

• Bind the ingredients and helps with rising.
• Substitute: Flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water), unsweetened yogurt, or other options from my Egg Substitute Chart.

Whole Milk

• Adds moisture and richness.
• Substitute: Any dairy-free milk such as coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Or yogurt, buttermilk, or sour cream for a softer texture.

Vegetable Oil

• Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
• Substitute: You can also use melted butter, ghee, cocconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil. Or unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract

• Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness.
• Substitute: Vanilla pods or Vanilla Bean Paste will also be lovely.

How to Make the Best Banana Bread Recipe

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.

Make the Banana Bread Batter

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, finely mash the bananas with a fork. Whisk in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.

4. Combine: Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix by hand just until combined. Do not over mix as this can make the banana bread tough.

Bake the Best Ever Banana Bread

5. Pour the banana bread batter into the pan and bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.

Serve

6. Enjoy as is with a cup of tea. Or level it up with Homemade Butter or Keto Nut Butters such  Coconut Butter, Pecan Butter and Perfect Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

Despite the easiness of this recipe, there are in fact ways to make mistakes when whipping up a loaf. Let me break down the most common things people get wrong, so you can avoid them and sail straight to success.

• Don’t use green, under-ripe bananas!
  It is best to use brown, older bananas for a much sweeter and more pronounced banana flavor. Plus they’re way easier to mash.
• Don’t mix all the wet ingredients and bananas together!
  Speaking of mashing, mash the bananas first, then add the other wet ingredients. Mashing the bananas in the bowl by themselves first will allow you to get them much smoother and mushier. That is harder to do once the oil, milk, etc. are in there.
• Don’t just dump all of the dry ingredients into the wet!
  Always mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients. By doing this you are ensuring your raising agents, spices, and salt will all be evenly mixed before the next step.
• Do NOT over-beat your batter!
  Gently mix the batter together gently until just combined. Leaving lumps is totally fine. Over-mixing means you can develop the gluten in the flour resulting in much tougher bread. Nobody wants a tough slice.
• Don’t forget the parchment paper!
  Always line your loaf pan with parchment paper. This is such a heavy, large loaf and you just want to buy yourself extra insurance that it will easily pop right out of the loaf pan.
• Do not open the oven while baking!
  Resist the urge to open that oven while baking!!! Opening the door in the first 20 minutes of baking lets out the steam and hot air and can cause the banana bread to fall leaving you with a flat loaf.

Make sure to check out 3 Incredible Ways To Use Banana Bread!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead:

• Prepare the batter and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Mashed overripe bananas can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days before use.
• In the freezer, mashed bananas can be stored for up to 3 months.
  • Place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a quicker thaw.

Storage:

Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool completely.

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 4 weeks: Slice the banana bread and place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to easily grab and go.
• Thaw frozen banana bread overnight at room temperature before serving.

Banana Bread Mix-ins and Variations

Banana Bread Mix-Ins:

• Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Try adding raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots for a fruity twist.
• Shredded Coconut: Add sweetened or unsweetened coconut for texture and tropical flavor.
• Peanut Butter or Nut Butters: Swirl in peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for a creamy, nutty twist.
• Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows for a gooey, fun surprise.
• Toffee or Butterscotch Chips: For a sweet caramelized flavor.

Banana Bread Variations:

• Healthy Banana Bread: Use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, and add in ground flaxseed for a healthier version.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth and spice.
• Pumpkin Banana Bread: Add pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Maple Banana Bread: Swap in maple syrup for some of the sugar for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Chocolate Banana Bread: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Read on for details!

How To Make Banana Bread Moist

• Use oats: Oats help retain moisture and contribute to a chewy texture.
• Opt for neutral oil: Flavorless oils like vegetable oil ensure a soft, moist loaf.
• Cover with foil: Once your banana bread is golden brown, cover it with aluminum foil while it’s still warm. This traps steam, creating a soft, sticky top similar to gingerbread.

How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Here’s how to make a gluten-free version of banana bread:

• Try our Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread(Low Carb / Zero Added Sugar): A delicious alternative to traditional banana bread, swapping regular ingredients for healthier options.
• Key Ingredients: This recipe uses almond flour and coconut flour for a gluten-free base, along with monk fruit sugar for a low-sugar, low-carb twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: It’s also dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Healthier Eating: Ideal for those looking to enjoy banana bread that’s both healthier and full of flavor!
• This recipe does use eggs, but even the eggs in the bread can be replaced with flax eggs making the bread entirely vegan.

FAQs

How much do 3 bananas measure in grams, ounces, or cups?

• Generally, one medium banana without peel measures around 120g (4oz/ 1/3 cup).
• So you need around 360g (12 oz/ 1 cup) of mashed bananas.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in banana bread.

• When it comes to whole wheat/grain flour, I suggest whole wheat/grain: all-purpose flour in a 1:1 or 1: 2 ratio, so you won’t wind up with a dense result. Because whole wheat (or grain) has bran which weighs down protein a lot to make it difficult to rise.
• A good rule of thumb to keep in mind while alternating the recipe: note to hold back some liquid by using up to 3/4 in one go and adjust it accordingly to get the same consistency as the recipe.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in banana bread.

• Sugar is not just a sweetener, it’s also a great binding agent.
• More importantly, sugar is added to incorporate air in the batter to make banana bread light and fluffy in texture instead of being dense. This would be sacrificed to some point if you cut back the sugar by more than a quarter.

How do I know when my banana bread is fully baked?

The telltale sign for a full and properly baked banana bread is no wetness on top, firm to the touch in the center, the edge pulling away from the mold a little bit, or a toothpick inserted coming out clean.

Can I make mini banana bread loaves instead of a single large loaf?

Yes, you can bake this recipe in mini banana bread loaf pans. The baking time depends on the individual well’s size.

Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan.

• A standard 9-inch loaf pan holds up to 8 cups. If you don’t have one available, use an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round cake tin.
• Monitor the baking time using the telltale signs listed above.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Bread

• Chocolate Chip Option: You can add chocolate chips to any of the above recipes for a classic chocolate chip banana bread.
• For True Chocoholics: If you’re a chocoholic like me, try this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread for something extra special!
• Nourishing Ingredients: The recipe features 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, ground flax, coconut sugar, and coconut oil, making it rich and nourishing.
• Bananas for Sweetness: The bananas provide a natural sweetness, while the chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch, making this the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Get More Quick Bread Recipes:

• Strawberry Cornmeal Quick Bread
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Quick Bread
• Almond Flour Banana Bread Recipe
• Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe (Brown Bread)
• Gemma’s Best Ever Pumpkin Bread Recipe

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated and improved on 12/21/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make ahead and storage instructions, mix-ins and variations, answers to the latest frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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