This banana bread is sweet, moist, and so easy to make, and everyone who tries it tells me it's the best and the best use of overripe bananas.
The best results are from adding those ugly dark brown bananas for super moist sweetness.
Can you make banana muffins? Absolutely, this is a winner for those, too.
We often use a mini muffin pan or make one loaf and a dozen muffins; the recipe usually makes two big loaves.
This recipe is so forgiving that you can also throw in some raisins or blueberries and make a cinnamon swirl style bread or blueberries, so it changes with whatever your family likes with additions.
We love this recipe and other quick bread and muffin recipes. You may also want to try our Best Muffins and Quick Bread Roundup; there's something for everyone.
Scroll down to our recipe card for this easily printable banana bread recipe!
Why Make This Recipe "Best Banana Bread Recipe"
- Perfect Texture: It’s moist and tender inside with a golden, slightly crisp crust and slices perfectly, just make sure you wait until it's cooled!
- One-Bowl Recipe: Simple steps and easy cleanup, plus the batter smells fantastic!
- Customizable: Add chopped candy bars, nuts, cinnamon streusel filling, chocolate chips, other additional fruits, or even swirl in Nutella for a twist.
- Tested & Loved: I’ve made this recipe countless times and given it to relatives and close friends, and it’s become a reader favorite.
- Banana bread is more than just a way to use up old bananas; it’s comfort in a slice with old-fashioned goodness in every bite. This recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers who think they have the best recipe until this one. Plus, homemade always beats store-bought, and you know the healthier ingredients in each bite. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast, a snack with milk, tea or coffee, our recipe is the ultimate comfort food. This banana bread is the answer.
Delicious Mix-in's for Banana Bread
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, Mini chocolate chips, White chocolate chips, Peanut butter chips, Butterscotch chips
- Chopped walnuts, Pecans, Macadamia nuts, Toasted almonds
- Shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries, Raisins, Dried cherries
- Fresh blueberries, Fresh raspberries (gently folded in)
- Cinnamon chips, Caramel bits, Crushed toffee pieces
- Chopped dates
- Candied ginger
- Orange zest or Lemon zest
- Crushed pineapple (well drained)
- Pumpkin spice
- Espresso powder for deeper flavor
- Swirl of peanut butter before baking
- Swirl of Nutella
- Cream cheese filling layered through the center
Tips for making the"Best Banana Bread"
- For a tender, moist crumb, do not overwork the batter
- If making muffins for higher peaks and crowns, bake at 400 degrees
- Mash the bananas with a fork
- always sift the dry ingredients for uniform flavors
- Any extracts can be used: vanilla, orange, lemon, maple, almond anisette, or whatever else you love
- Do not over-bake
- Spread with butter, jam, or jelly while warm
- These bread loaves are great served with a hot beverage or a cold glass of milk
- For a tender pastry, do not overwork the batter. Mash the bananas with a fork and mix with all the wet ingredients. Just fold in the dry ingredients
- Always sift the dry ingredients; any extracts can be used: vanilla, orange, lemon, maple, almond anisette, or whatever other flavors you like
- Keep loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed ziplock bags in a cool, dry place.
- If you're a family of two, muffins are the way to go, and freeze the rest as needed
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to one week for extended freshness.
- Freeze whole loaves or individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Wrap in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, before freezing.
- Thaw overnight or warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Questions and Facts on Banana Bread
Q: How do I keep banana bread moist? A: Use overripe bananas, the spottier the better! (don’t overbake). Wrapping the loaf in plastic wrap once cooled keeps it soft.
Q: Can I freeze banana bread?
A: Yes! I prefer to freeze muffins or wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this recipe healthier? A: Absolutely—swap half the flour for whole wheat, and you can use gluten-free flour, plus reduce the amount of sugar, and also use Greek yogurt instead of butter.

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Mini Strawberry Blueberry Muffins
Banana Mango Muffins
Muffins and Quick Bread Roundup Recipes
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2009. It was edited and re-published in 2022.
Q: Can I make this recipe healthier? A: Absolutely—swap half the flour for whole wheat, and you can use gluten-free flour, plus reduce the amount of sugar, and also use Greek yogurt instead of butter.
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Serving Ideas for Banana Bread
- Serve warm with salted butter.
- Spread with whipped honey butter.
- Top with cream cheese.
- Drizzle with warm honey.
- Add peanut butter or almond butter.
- Spread with Nutella.
- Enjoy with fresh strawberries or sliced bananas.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Toast slices and serve with cinnamon butter.
- Pair with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries.
- Make banana bread French toast.
- Turn slices into an ice cream sundae.
- Serve with whipped cream and caramel sauce for dessert.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Add to a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit and eggs.
Yield: 30 slices
Best Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 8 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 53 Min
I have tried so many recipes for banana bread but nothing compares to this recipe it's spot on delicious every time, moist, sweet, and addicting!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- In another bowl, mix together well:
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups mashed bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
- 4 eggs
- optional: 1 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Make a well with the flour, baking soda, and pour the wet mixture into the dry and blend together evenly.
- Use a folding method and do not use a mixer.
- The batter will be lumpy.
- Pour into two well-greased loaf pans or make muffins.
- Bake at 350 for around 45 minutes for a loaf or 30 to 35 minutes or until brown and the middle is dry when tested with a toothpick.
- Variations: Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread...
- 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 sugar( add nuts optional)...mix together.
- Pour 1/2 the batter in a loaf top with sugar-cinnamon mixture, and bake...
- other variations:
- Fold in mix-ins: chocolate chips, coconut, and walnuts. Proceed as above with the wet ingredients.
- This recipe also makes awesome muffins!
- See Tips in the Notes:
Tips for making the"Best Banana Bread"
- For a tender, moist crumb, do not overwork the batter
- If making muffins for higher peaks and crowns, bake at 400 degrees
- Mash the bananas with a fork
- always sift the dry ingredients for uniform flavors
- Any extracts can be used: vanilla, orange, lemon, maple, almond anisette, or whatever else you love
- Do not over-bake
- Spread with butter, jam, or jelly while warm
- These bread loaves are great served with a hot beverage or a cold glass of milk
- For a tender pastry, do not overwork the batter. Mash the bananas with a fork and mix with all the wet ingredients. Just fold in the dry ingredients
- Always sift the dry ingredients; any extracts can be used: vanilla, orange, lemon, maple, almond anisette, or whatever other flavors you like
- Keep loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed ziplock bags in a cool, dry place.
- If you're a family of two, muffins are the way to go, and freeze the rest as needed
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to one week for extended freshness.
- Freeze whole loaves or individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Wrap in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, before freezing.
- Thaw overnight or warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Other Additions
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, Mini chocolate chips, White chocolate chips, Peanut butter chips, Butterscotch chips
- Chopped walnuts, Pecans, Macadamia nuts, Toasted almonds
- Shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries, Raisins, Dried cherries
- Fresh blueberries, Fresh raspberries (gently folded in)
- Cinnamon chips, Caramel bits, Crushed toffee pieces
- Chopped dates
- Candied ginger
- Orange zest or Lemon zest
- Crushed pineapple (well drained)
- Pumpkin spice
- Espresso powder for deeper flavor
- Swirl of peanut butter before baking
- Swirl of Nutella
- Cream cheese filling layered through the center
Nutrition Facts
Calories
194.31Fat (grams)
9.88Sat. Fat (grams)
3.21Carbs (grams)
24.63Fiber (grams)
0.90Net carbs
23.72Sugar (grams)
14.54Protein (grams)
2.61Sodium (milligrams)
79.43Cholesterol (grams)
28.63Pin for later
Try Some of these other Breakfast Ideas
Baked Blueberry Donuts
One-Pan Easy Raspberry Scones
Grilled Blueberry Muffins
Mini Strawberry Blueberry Muffins
Banana Mango Muffins
Muffins and Quick Bread Roundup Recipes
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2009. It was edited and re-published in 2022.



