Description
This moist and flavorful banana bread recipe combines ripe bananas with warm spices, nuts, and optional chocolate or fruit additions. Perfectly tender with a golden crust, it’s easy to customize for dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar (white, brown, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- ½ cup melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup fruit (blueberries, shredded coconut, or pineapple)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and gather all your measured ingredients for easy mixing. - Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and glossy. - Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, salt, and chosen spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. - Mix wet and dry together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender. Then fold in the chopped nuts, chocolate chips or cocoa powder, and optional fruit. - Bake your bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. - Cool and enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps it set perfectly.
Notes
- Use ripe, spotted bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use oil instead of butter.
- Customize add-ins based on preference or dietary needs like walnuts, chocolate chips, or fruits.
- Avoid overmixing to ensure the bread stays moist and tender.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
