Best-Ever Banana Bread Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. This Best-Ever Banana Bread recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb with a golden crust that’s simply irresistible.

Packed with ripe bananas, it’s naturally sweet and bursting with rich, caramel-like flavors. In just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have a batter ready to transform into a comforting treat.

With a 55-minute bake time, this loaf emerges perfectly balanced—soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside. Each slice is a delightful mix of warm spices and buttery richness, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in every bite, and it’s easier to make than you’d think!

What You’ll Need for the Best-Ever Banana Bread

• 1½ cups (7½ oz/213 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (2¼ oz/64 g) quick cooking oats (or substitute with rolled oats)
• ⅔ cup (5 oz/142 g) granulated sugar (or use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 medium bananas (ripe, with brown spots for sweetness)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (cold eggs can be warmed in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes)
• ⅓ cup (2½ fl oz/71 ml) whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• ¼ cup (2 fl oz/57 ml) vegetable oil (or use melted butter for richness)
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make the Best-Ever Banana Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate large bowl, finely mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix by hand just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the banana bread tough.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve as is or with a cup of tea. Store at room temperature wrapped in cling wrap for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 4 weeks.

Delicious Toppings and Serving Ideas

Take your banana bread to the next level with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. For a decadent treat, spread a slice with cream cheese or Nutella. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy snack.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep your banana bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in cling wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, slice it first and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 4 weeks. Reheat slices in the toaster or microwave for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Easy Recipe Variations to Try

Switch things up by adding ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut to the batter. For a healthier twist, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour or use maple syrup instead of sugar. You can also turn this recipe into muffins—just reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers

Prep your dry ingredients the night before and store them in a sealed container. Use overripe bananas you’ve already frozen—just thaw and mash them when ready. If you’re short on time, skip the oats and use 2 cups of flour instead for a quicker mix.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Banana Bread

A 9×5 loaf pan and parchment paper are must-haves for easy removal and cleanup. Use a fork or potato masher to quickly mash the bananas, and a whisk to combine wet ingredients smoothly. A toothpick or cake tester ensures your bread is perfectly baked—clean means it’s done!

Best-Ever Banana Bread Recipe

Shaziya

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. In just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have a batter ready to transform into a comforting treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup quick cooking oats
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 medium bananas
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, finely mash the bananas with a fork. Whisk in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
• Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix by hand just until combined. Do not over mix as this can make the banana bread tough.
• Pour the banana bread batter into the pan and bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.
• Enjoy as is with a cup of tea. Store at room temperature wrapped in cling wrap for up to 3 days. It also freezes really well for up to 4 weeks.

Keyword banana bread, classic banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, moist banana bread

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