Best Banana Bread Recipe

This Best Banana Bread Recipe gives you a moist, delicious loaf that’s super easy to whip up on a sleepy Sunday—or any day you find a bunch of overripe bananas in your fruit bowl.

I’ve baked banana bread for decades—some might say it’s my comfort-food signature. This homemade, classic banana bread strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tender, with just enough cinnamon warmth and a hint of vanilla to make every slice feel a little like a hug. Growing up in rural Ohio, my mother taught me that nothing wastes a banana—it simply gets mashed and reborn as golden, banana-scented joy. Today, I tweak her formula with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra moisture and swap in half whole-wheat flour for a subtle nutty note. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast loaf, an easy afternoon snack, or a gift that warms hearts, this really is the best recipe you’ll ever bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry staples and ripe bananas you already have
• No stand mixer needed—just a bowl and a sturdy spoon
• Ready in under 90 minutes from start to finish
• Wonderfully moist crumb, thanks to Greek yogurt and butter
• Perfect for gifting or packing into lunchboxes
• Freezer-friendly slices for make-ahead breakfasts
• Classic banana bread flavor that never goes out of style
• Mild cinnamon swirl option for a flicker of spice

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour (King Arthur Flour recommended)
• ½ cup (60g) whole-wheat flour (Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for swirl)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (swap with coconut oil for dairy-free)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (or â…” cup light brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 medium; look for lots of brown spots)
• ¼ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (Fage or Chobani)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional; swap with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist)

Tips on Ingredients
• Bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter your loaf. Freeze extra-ripe bananas in a zip-top bag.
• Flours: Sifting the flours together helps avoid lumps and creates a fluffier crumb.
• Yogurt: Adds moisture without thinning the batter—plain is best for flavor neutrality.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting a bit overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined—this dry mix sets the stage for a tender loaf.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until you see faint ribbons; add eggs one at a time, mixing until shiny.
4. Fold in mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth—don’t overmix or you’ll tighten the crumb.
5. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring in one or two batches. Stop when no streaks of flour remain. Sprinkle in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
6. For a cinnamon swirl, whisk 1 tablespoon sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then drop spoonfuls onto the batter; run a butter knife through to swirl.
7. Spoon batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until the loaf is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this prevents the crust from shrinking. Lift it out and let it rest on a rack. Resist slicing until it’s at least lukewarm.

Servings & Timing
Makes 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (worth every second)

Variations
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in ½ cup semi-sweet chips for a melty surprise.
• Blueberry Banana Bread: Fold in ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Use flax “eggs†(2 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp water), coconut oil, and dairy-free yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Swap flours for a 1:1 gluten-free blend; add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your mix lacks it.
• Nut-Free Banana Bread: Skip the nuts and boost chewiness with an extra 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
• Coffee-Infused Banana Bread: Dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso in the banana mixture for subtle mocha notes.

Storage & Reheating
• Room Temperature: Store wrapped at room temp for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep airtight in the fridge for 5 days—just let it come to room temp before eating.
• Freezer: Slice and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Pop slices in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
• Make-Ahead: Bake loaves ahead for busy mornings; freeze, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Notes
• Banana Ripeness Hack: Speed up browning by popping bananas (unpeeled) on a baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes. Cool before mashing.
• Don’t Overmix: Lumps in the batter are fine—overworking leads to a denser loaf.
• Pan Choice: A heavy-duty loaf pan (like Nordic Ware) helps maintain even heat for a uniform bake.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar by 2 tablespoons up or down depending on how sweet your bananas are.
• Testing for Doneness: If the center is still jiggly at 55 minutes, tent the top with foil and bake 5–10 more minutes.

FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Absolutely—just thaw, drain off excess liquid, and proceed as you would with fresh.

Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A: Often from underbaking or an oven that’s too hot; check temperature with an oven thermometer.

Q: How do I make it extra moist?
A: Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt or stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream.

Q: Can I halve the recipe for a smaller loaf?
A: Yes—bake in a 5×3-inch pan for about 40–50 minutes, watching closely.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for high altitudes?
A: Increase flour by 1–2 tablespoons and lower baking temperature by 15°F.

Q: What’s the best way to mash bananas?
A: A fork works fine, but a potato masher or an electric beater gives a smoother result.

Q: Can I skip the nuts?
A: Of course—just leave them out or swap for dried fruit like cranberries.

Q: How do I prevent a tough crust?
A: Don’t overbake and cool the loaf uncovered at room temperature.

Conclusion
This Best Banana Bread Recipe delivers a moist, easy, and utterly delicious homemade loaf every time—perfect for brunch, snack time, or those moments when you just need a little comfort. Give it a try this weekend, then come back to let me know how it turned out or explore my other favorites like Classic Zucchini Bread or Lemon Blueberry Muffins. Happy baking!