There’s something truly heartwarming about baking a loaf of banana bread, and with this Classic Banana Bread Recipe, you’ll have the perfect excuse to enjoy that sweet, nostalgic aroma wafting through your kitchen. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—ultra-moist, just the right amount of banana flavor, and a golden crust with tender crumb. Whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast, gifting a neighbor, or sneaking a cozy afternoon snack, this is the only Classic Banana Bread Recipe you’ll ever need.

Classic Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this bread is how every ingredient stars in its own way—nothing fancy, just simple kitchen staples coming together with magic. Each one plays a role in the flavor, color, or texture of your beautiful loaf.

All-purpose flour: This foundation ingredient keeps your bread light and fluffy—be sure to spoon and level for the perfect crumb.
Baking powder: Lifts the loaf, giving it a soft, bakery-style rise.
Baking soda: Partners with the bananas, making sure the bread is tender and not dense.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and sweet spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
Salt: Enhances all those sweet, rich flavors, balancing every bite.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and makes the banana bread luxuriously moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread gently and helps with that golden top.
Light brown sugar: Gives a caramel undertone and extra moisture.
Eggs (at room temperature): Binds everything together and helps with leavening.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with dreamy vanilla aroma.
Mashed banana: The real hero—ripe bananas make this recipe sweet and unmistakably delicious.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a nutty contrast if you want a classic twist.

How to Make Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin your Classic Banana Bread Recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Take a standard 9×5 loaf pan and coat it well with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later. This step is all about ensuring your beautiful bread slides out perfectly golden every time.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give this a good whisk—making sure everything is evenly distributed will help your bread bake up uniform and flavorful.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a handheld electric mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed. Mix for at least 4-5 minutes until you see the mixture turn pale and fluffy. This is key for that signature tenderness in the Classic Banana Bread Recipe.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go. Once both eggs are fully incorporated, pour in the vanilla extract and mix again until smooth.

Step 5: Mix in the Bananas

Now, blend in your mashed bananas—make sure they’re thoroughly mashed to distribute moisture and flavor throughout the loaf. Stir until just combined; your batter will smell incredible at this point!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing can toughen your bread, so a light hand is best. If adding walnuts, fold them in now for a signature crunch.

Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, checking with a toothpick at 55 minutes. If the top browns a little quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes—that patience pays off! Afterward, use the parchment to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. That first warm slice is pure bliss.

How to Serve Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a smear of soft butter, or even an extra drizzle of honey can make your Classic Banana Bread Recipe feel a little extra special. For an elegant touch, a few banana slices or some finely chopped toasted nuts on top look beautiful.

Side Dishes

Banana bread shines alongside creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast, or with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You can even pair a thick slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert—trust me, it’s a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting your loaf into thick, hearty slices and wrapping each in parchment and twine for adorable lunchbox surprises. For parties, cube up the bread for mini banana bread bites, or layer slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit for an easy trifle. The Classic Banana Bread Recipe is endlessly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your banana bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days, and somehow it often tastes even better the next morning!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices (or the whole loaf) snugly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. The Classic Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully for up to three months—just label with the date so you can enjoy a slice of nostalgia any time.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven briefly. Frozen bread can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours, coming out nearly as fresh as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I make this Classic Banana Bread Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are completely optional, so feel free to leave them out for a nut-free loaf. The bread is just as deliciously moist and flavorful without them.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better—think brown spots or nearly black skins. Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, which is exactly what you want for the best Classic Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and heartier texture. If you swap the whole amount, the bread may be more dense, but still delicious!

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the bread wasn’t baked long enough. Make sure to mix gently and check for doneness with a toothpick before removing your Classic Banana Bread Recipe from the oven.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes, checking regularly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for comfort in a loaf, there’s nothing quite like this Classic Banana Bread Recipe. It’s easy, it’s unforgettable, and it’s always met with smiles. Grab those ripe bananas and bake yourself some joy—you won’t regret it!

Classic Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic banana bread recipe is a beloved favorite for any occasion. Moist and flavorful, with a hint of cinnamon and crunchy walnuts, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a comforting snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a loaf pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, vanilla, and mashed banana until well combined.
Combine and bake: Gently fold in dry ingredients, then walnuts. Bake for 55-65 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit for variation.
This bread freezes well for future enjoyment.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Banana Bread, Baking, Breakfast, Snack, Comfort Food