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best banana bread sliced with butter on a plaid towel on a cutting board

The Best Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is soft, moist, and packed with real banana flavor. Made in just one bowl with simple pantry staples, it's the perfect way to use up those bananas!
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana bread
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2-3 bananas
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar or maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon optional
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream optional for extra moisture
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in melted butter, cane sugar or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. If using, stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  5. Mix in chocolate chips if desired, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t over mix the batter—this keeps the bread soft and fluffy.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.