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Easiest Banana Bread

This Easiest Banana Bread is a simple, comforting recipe that turns ripe bananas into a delicious loaf, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Swap for coconut sugar for a caramel note.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Plant-based butter works fine for a dairy-free twist.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Replace with 1/2 cup applesauce per egg for a lighter, vegan-style loaf.
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups) The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Or a pinch of banana-infused rum for a festive treat.
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Swap half with whole wheat for a heartier, healthy option.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) Try 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm twist.
Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional) Use toasted pecans for a Southern spin.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
  3. Stir in the melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy and combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until the batter is harmonious and slightly aerated.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently; overmixing will make the bread dense.
  7. Add walnuts or chocolate chips (if using), folding them through.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. This bread can be served thick with butter or with Greek yogurt and mixed berries.