Description
This easy banana bread is moist, buttery, and packed with real banana flavor. Made with ripe bananas and simple pantry ingredients, it is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2–3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk in melted butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt if using.
Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Fold gently until no dry flour remains.
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Do not overmix after adding flour.
Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Store wrapped at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Freeze slices for quick breakfasts or snacks.