Simple Banana Bread for Beginners

Highlighted under: Simple Food

This Simple Banana Bread is perfect for beginners and a delightful way to use up overripe bananas. Moist, sweet, and easy to make, it's a classic recipe that everyone will love.

Dahlia Kensington

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-03T01:53:34.325Z

This banana bread recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. It's the perfect way to enjoy overripe bananas and makes your kitchen smell incredible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to follow, perfect for novice bakers
  • Moist and flavorful with a delicious banana aroma
  • Customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence

Perfect for Beginners

If you’re new to baking, this Simple Banana Bread recipe is an ideal starting point. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible for anyone in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal equipment, you'll be able to create a delicious loaf that will impress family and friends alike.

Using overripe bananas not only reduces waste but also enhances the sweetness and flavor of the bread. This recipe encourages you to embrace those brown bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

A Versatile Treat

One of the great things about this banana bread recipe is its versatility. While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Consider adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. This flexibility allows you to experiment with flavors and ingredients, making each loaf a unique creation.

You can also adjust the sweetness of the bread by modifying the amount of sugar based on your preference. For a healthier twist, try substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless, and the end result will always be a moist and flavorful banana bread.

Storage Tips

Once your banana bread is baked and cooled, proper storage will ensure that it stays fresh and delicious. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. You can also place it in an airtight container for added protection. Stored this way, your banana bread can last for up to a week at room temperature.

If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can savor your banana bread whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Banana Bread Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Incorporate Flour

Finally, mix in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a delightful breakfast treat or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also dress it up by toasting slices and adding a spread of cream cheese or nut butter for a more decadent experience.

For a fun twist, consider turning your banana bread into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This transforms your simple loaf into a gourmet dessert that’s sure to impress.

Nutritional Benefits

Bananas are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. They are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making banana bread a more wholesome choice compared to many other baked goods. When using whole ingredients like eggs and butter, you add healthy fats and proteins that help keep you full.

By adding nuts or seeds, you can boost the nutritional profile even further. Walnuts or almonds, for example, provide healthy fats and extra protein, making this banana bread a satisfying snack option. Enjoying a slice can be a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth while still nourishing your body.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before mashing.

→ How should I store banana bread?

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water or use a commercial egg replacer.

→ Can I add spices to the recipe?

Absolutely! Cinnamon or nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.

Simple Banana Bread for Beginners

This Simple Banana Bread is perfect for beginners and a delightful way to use up overripe bananas. Moist, sweet, and easy to make, it's a classic recipe that everyone will love.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time70 minutes

Created by: Dahlia Kensington

Recipe Type: Simple Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

Banana Bread Ingredients

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt.

Step 03

Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

Finally, mix in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g