Simply the Best Banana Bread (Seriously!)

Best Banana quick bread recipe? Seriously the Best!

By Evelyn ThatcherMay 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort food? This quick bread recipe for Simply the Best Banana Bread is calling your name. It's got that perfect balance of sweet banana and warm spice.

Brief Overview

Banana bread, a classic american bake, is super easy to make. you likely already have everything you need. this homemade bread recipe takes about an hour from start to finish.

This makes one loaf. enough for 10-12 slices.

Main Benefits

This recipe sneaks in some fruit. resulting in a slightly healthier treat. perfect for a weekend brunch or afternoon tea.

What makes this special? the perfect amount of banana flavour and that delicious cinnamon kick!

Right, let's talk ingredients! Now where's my recipe tin...?

The Magic Within: Ingredients You'll Need

Honestly, the beauty of this quick bread recipe is its simplicity. no need to knead bread or stress about yeast bread recipes .

We are keeping this recipe simple and easy for any baker. here's what you'll need.

Flour Power : 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
Baking Buddies : 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Butter Bliss : ½ cup of softened, unsalted butter.
Sweetness : ¾ cup of granulated sugar.
Egg-cellent : 2 large eggs.
Vanilla Vibes : 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Banana Bonanza : 3 very ripe bananas, mashed.

Got all that? Good! Let's get baking! It's the perfect alternative to baking something in a dutch oven bread.

Alright, love! Let's chat about what you'll need to make this unreal banana quick bread recipe. Honestly, it's simpler than putting the kettle on for a cuppa.

Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

This homemade bread recipe starts with getting the right bits and bobs. remember, good ingredients make all the difference! it’s like my nan used to say: “you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.

”

Main Players

Flour: You'll want 1 ½ cups (192g) of plain, all-purpose flour. Don't pack it down! Light and fluffy is the key.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon . This gives our oven bread a lovely rise.
Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Adds a touch of warmth, you know?
Salt: Just ¼ teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
Butter: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened. Proper soft, not melted!
Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar.
Eggs: 2 large eggs. Free range if you can, darling.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Adds that little something .
Bananas: 3 very ripe bananas, mashed. They should be almost black! Think properly squishy.

Seasoning Secrets

The magic is in the spice, innit?

Cinnamon is the star. Its warm aroma makes everything better.
Vanilla extract enhances the banana flavor. Don't skip it!
Substitutions? A pinch of nutmeg works instead of cinnamon.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

Don’t stress about needing fancy gadgets. This quick bread recipe is all about keeping it real.

Loaf Pan: A 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of different sizes.
Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer is great.
Spatula: For scraping the bowl clean.
Alternatives: A fork and some elbow grease work just fine, too! Or even your dutch oven bread , if you are feeling brave.
Toothpick: To check for doneness.

And that's it! this simple recipe avoids yeast bread recipes and those tricky artisan bread recipes that require you to knead bread for hours.

It's ready in a recipe tin with ease. i even bet that you can make some awesome dutch oven recipes out of it.

No kneading needed, just like no knead bread .

Right then, gather your bits, and let's get baking. You've got this!

Alright, let's whip up some banana bread, shall we? honestly, is there anything more comforting than a slice of warm, homemade bread recipe fresh from the oven? this quick bread recipe is so easy.

Even a complete beginner can nail it. trust me, if i can do it, so can you!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, let's get organized. mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. basically, get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.

We're talking 1 ½ cups (192g) of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt all whisked together.

Soften ½ cup (113g) of butter too. i like to use the microwave for 10 seconds. careful not to melt it entirely! measure ¾ cup (150g) of sugar.

Two eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract are needed also. three ripe bananas. seriously, the blacker, the better! optional ½ cup (50g) of walnuts.

Preheat your oven to 350° f ( 175° c) and grease that 9x5 inch loaf pan. i can't tell you how many times i've forgotten to grease the pan! i use baking spray for this.

Banana Bread: step-by-step Awesome

Whisk your dry ingredients in a bowl. Flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. I use my handheld mixer.
Beat in those eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
Mash the bananas like you're angry at them. Add them to the wet ingredients.
Gently mix the dry into the wet. Don't overmix. Nobody likes tough bread .
Fold in those nuts. Or chocolate chips!
Pour into your prepared pan.
Bake for 50- 60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.

Pro Tips: From Beginner to Baker Boss!

My top tip? don't overmix the batter. seriously. just until everything is combined. undermixing is better than overmixing in this case.

Also, if your bananas aren't quite ripe enough, you can roast them in the oven for a few minutes to bring out the sweetness.

Just pop them in at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 10 minutes, skin on. common mistake? opening the oven too early! resist the urge to peek.

Especially in the first 30 minutes. this oven bread doesn't need peeking. as for storing? wrap it up tight and it'll keep for a few days.

Honestly, i like it best the next day. also, consider the dutch oven recipes angle if you fancy a dutch oven bread experimentation.

However, this specific yeast bread recipes can also be converted to a no knead bread .

There you have it! my absolute favourite quick bread recipe . this homemade bread recipe is going to bring a smile to your face.

I swear. grab a cuppa and enjoy! you deserve it. and you know, if you ever want to try something fancy, look into artisan bread recipes or to knead bread and have that recipe in your recipe tin .

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this quick bread recipe . I’m talking all the extra bits that’ll make you feel like a proper baking wizard!

Recipe Notes

This homemade bread recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof. seriously, even i can’t mess it up! but even the simplest bakes have their secrets, don't they? so, let's unlock them.

Remember, you can also use a dutch oven bread recipe for similar results!

Serving Like a Pro

Got a fancy tea party planned? or just want to feel a bit posh? slice this banana bread and arrange it artfully on a plate.

A dusting of icing sugar? chef's kiss! serve it warm with a dollop of clotted cream. want something simpler? it's delish with a cuppa builder's tea, obviously! for sides, try some fresh berries or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Honestly, you can't go wrong.

Storage Secrets

Right, so you've baked this beaut. now what? to keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in cling film.

Pop it in an airtight container. it'll happily sit on the counter for about 3 days. want to make it last? you can freeze it! slice it first, then wrap each slice individually.

This way, you can just grab one whenever the craving hits. to reheat, either microwave it briefly or pop it in a low oven until warmed through.

Easy peasy.

Switching Things Up

Want to make this recipe your own? go wild! for a healthier twist, use wholemeal flour. you can swap out some of the sugar with mashed dates.

Feel like adding some zing? how about a handful of chopped crystallized ginger? come autumn, throw in some pumpkin spice.

Or, you could use yeast bread recipes and even get artisan bread recipes for similar results, although they would take a lot more time.

If you want to try a No Knead Bread or Knead Bread recipe, consider searching a Recipe Tin , or Dutch Oven Recipes for a whole host of options.

A Little Bit of Goodness

Okay, i’m no nutritionist, but banana bread does have some goodness in it. bananas are packed with potassium. so, you're basically getting one of your five a day, right? plus, it’s a great source of energy.

I call that a win-win. just remember, it is a treat, so maybe don't eat the whole loaf in one sitting.

.. unless you really want to!

See how simple it is to make this Oven Bread . So there you have it, my friend. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle? Is there a quick bread recipe fix?

A sunken middle in banana bread is usually caused by underbaking or too much moisture. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and that you bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Overripe bananas, while delicious, can also add too much moisture, so maybe use slightly less next time.

How can I make my banana bread even moister?

For extra moist banana bread, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. Using very ripe (almost black!) bananas is also crucial, as they release more moisture and sweetness.

Don't overbake the bread remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Think of it like a Victoria Sponge you want it soft!

Can I freeze banana bread? What's the best way to store this quick bread recipe?

Absolutely! Banana bread freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, or place it in a freezer safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

For storing at room temperature, keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly for up to 3 days.

Can I adapt this quick bread recipe to be gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, you can! For gluten-free banana bread, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

Be aware the texture and taste may differ slightly, but it's still delicious!

What can I add to my banana bread to make it more interesting?

Get creative! Chocolate chips are a classic addition. You could also try adding blueberries, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a lovely crust.

Think of it as your blank canvas - what flavors do you fancy?

Is banana bread healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Banana bread is a treat, so it's not necessarily a health food, but it can be part of a balanced diet! It contains carbohydrates, some fiber (especially if you add nuts), and potassium from the bananas. To make it healthier, reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or add ingredients like flaxseed or chia seeds.

Remember to enjoy it in moderation, just like a cheeky slice of cake!