If you've got overripe bananas sitting on the counter, this easy banana bread recipe is the perfect excuse to bake. Made with simple ingredients and no mixer required, it bakes up soft, moist and perfect for snacking!
What makes this the best easy banana bread recipe?
So I am totally aware that there are a million banana bread recipes out there. But please, hear me out on this one. I've had a lot of banana bread in my time but I never really found a recipe that I wanted to make over again until this one.
No Need For Any Electric Mixers!
I love to bake and I love my stand mixer. But when I see browning bananas on my counter I want a recipe that is simple to throw together. This recipe does not require any mixers or electric tools. All you need is a whisk, a couple bowls, some pantry and fridge staples and a strong arm.
Simply mix up your ingredients, throw them in the oven and walaa! A fabulous freshly, baked loaf of banana bread. The this loaf has a moist, tender crumb that is full of banana flavor.
A definite crowd pleaser that feels special but is easy enough to make any day of the week. Your family will love this banana bread!
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Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Whisk: I love this Oxo whisk!
- Loaf Pan: Both 10 x 5 and 9 x 5 work. I love using my Le Creuset Loaf Pan!
- Wire Cooling Rack: If you don't have a wire cooling rack you can cool the bread on another surface. However, if you do a lot of baking I definitely recommend getting one. You can order this Oxo cooling rack on Amazon or there are loads available online or in stores.
Ingredients
- Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are key to this recipe which is why it is so great for using leftover fruit. In my opinion the browner the better!
- Unsalted butter
- White Granulated Sugar
- Eggs: Ideally you will want to use eggs that have come to room temperature. If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait simply place the eggs in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes before using.
- Vanilla Extract
- Sour Cream: I highly recommend using full fat sour cream for this recipe. Low fat will work but it won't be as delicious.
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda: Always make sure that your baking soda is not expired! Expired baking soda will not give you the same rise and is a frequent reason for baking failures.
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Tips and Tricks for Successful Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are overripe! Green or firm bananas will not work as well.
- Don't add extra bananas - this may be tempting but it will result in a very dense crumb.
- Do not over mix the batter.
- Do not over bake! Every oven is different so be sure to test your banana bread to see when it's done
Recipe FAQs
The best bananas for banana bread are very ripe with lots of brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and give the bread more banana flavor and moisture.
If bananas are starting to go bad at my house, I usually toss them straight into the freezer and let them thaw when I'm ready to bake. They become extra soft and work perfectly for banana bread.
Yes. Let the banana bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans are all great additions to this banana bread recipe.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the banana bread is ready.
More quick bread recipes for you to enjoy.
Made this banana bread recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
The Best Easy Banana Bread
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 eggs ideally at room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream I recommend full fat
- 1.5 cups overripe bananas, mashed about 4 medium bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Butter and flour a 9 x 5 loaf pan or coat with a nonstick baking spray.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.Crack both eggs in a separate, small bowl and use a fork to whisk until well mixed. Set aside.
- In another bowl add butter, brown sugar and white granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add in eggs, vanilla extract and sour cream. Whisk until well combined. Then fold in mashed bananas.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined Do not over mix.
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with butter and enjoy!
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes
We absolutely love to enjoy banana bread with our coffee, and this is my current favourite breakfast treat!
Amy
What stunning photography! Looks so enticing that I want to try your recipe to see if it's extra moist. Love toasted banana bread with a hot cup of tea. I can seriously have that any time of the day.
Kris
I cannot wait to make this! It sound amazing.
Debra Klein
Totally lived up to both adjectives in the name....simple and delicious. Thank you!
Marlynn
LOVE this easy-to-make banana bread! Such a yummy way to use up our overripe bananas.
Tara
Such an easy and delicious bread! Definitely the perfect way to use up leftover bananas. Wish I had a slice right now!
Andrea
Big fan of banana bread. Yours sounds and looks fantastic!
serena
Banana bread is one of my favorite breakfast items. I love it with my coffee 🙂 This looks delicious and super simple.
Sara Welch
Gave this a try for an afternoon treat and it did not disappoint! Light, fluffy and delicious; easily, a new favorite banana bread recipe!
Chef Dennis
Yum! This is really tasty!
Katie Youngs
So delicious and my kids loved it!