Here are three fantastic banana bread recipes to suit different tastes and needs: a classic, a healthy option, and a decadent one.
1. Classic, Foolproof Banana Bread
This is the beloved standard—moist, sweet, and simple.
Ingredients:
2-3 very ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
1/3 cup (75g) melted butter or neutral oil
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir in.
Add the flour and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Fold in nuts/chips if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Healthier Whole Wheat Banana Bread
Less refined sugar, whole grains, and optional add-ins for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/3 cup (80ml) plain yogurt or applesauce
1/4 cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour (or white whole wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup rolled oats, plus 1 tbsp for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together mashed banana, yogurt, honey, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in oats if using.
Pour batter into the pan. Sprinkle with oats if desired.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool as directed above.
3. Decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
For when you want a treat. This one is extra moist and rich.
Ingredients:
Follow the Classic recipe ingredients, but:
Increase sugar to 1 cup (200g).
Use 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
Add 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for top).
Optional: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Instructions:
Follow the classic recipe steps, mixing the sour cream in with the wet ingredients.
Toss 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips in 1 tbsp of the measured flour (this prevents sinking). Fold them and the cinnamon into the batter.
Pour batter into pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes. Check early—if the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Cool completely before slicing.
🔑 Pro Tips for the BEST Banana Bread:
Use Dead-Ripe Bananas: The blacker, the better! They are sweeter and more flavorful.
Don’t Overmix: Stir until the flour is just incorporated. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing leads to a tough, dense bread.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. Start checking at 50 minutes. The toothpick test is your best friend.
Let it Cool: It’s hard to wait, but slicing warm bread causes it to crumble. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then on a rack for at least an hour.
Storage: Keep at room temp, wrapped, for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your baking! There's nothing like the smell (and taste) of fresh banana bread. 🍌