This recipe delivers a consistently moist, tender banana bread loaf using simple, one-bowl methods. It is easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas.
Author:Ethan Fleetwood
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:55 min
Total Time:65 min
Yield:1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Category:Baking
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Add the baking soda and salt to the banana mixture and mix well.
Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until just combined.
Add the flour to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until the flour streaks disappear. Do not overmix.
If using, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips now.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the moistest results, use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost black.
If you prefer a slightly less sweet bread, reduce the sugar to 2/3 cup.
To check for doneness without a skewer, the top should spring back lightly when touched.