Description
A soft, moist, and naturally sweet banana bread perfect for beginners or kids. This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made with just 3–4 items or slightly more for extra flavor. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one standard loaf pan):
For the Banana Bread:
3–4 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for a less sweet version)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2 eggs (optional for richer texture)
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
½ cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra flavor
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash Bananas
In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in oil, sugar, eggs (if using), and vanilla until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a soft, moist bread.
Step 4: Add Optional Mix-ins
Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired add-ins.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Moist Banana Bread: Use very ripe bananas and oil instead of butter.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Skip nuts and add chocolate chips for a fun treat.
- Make Ahead: Can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Mini Loaves: Use a muffin tin to make 12–14 mini banana bread muffins; reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American