Simple Banana Bread for Beginners

Name: Simple Banana Bread for Beginners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This recipe for Simple Banana Bread is perfect for beginners looking to bake a delicious treat. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll have a warm loaf of banana bread ready in no time!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-02T01:52:05.763Z

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that is both easy to make and delicious. This simple recipe allows even novice bakers to create a moist and flavorful loaf with just a few ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender texture that everyone will enjoy
Easily customizable with nuts or chocolate chips
A great way to use overripe bananas instead of waste

      

The Joy of Homemade Banana Bread

There's something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, especially when it comes to banana bread. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it's baking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Plus, when you slice into a warm loaf, the first taste of that moist, sweet banana bread is a comforting reminder of home. This recipe not only allows you to indulge in a delicious treat, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment, making it a perfect choice for beginner bakers.

Homemade banana bread is versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you savor a slice with your morning coffee, pack it in your lunchbox, or enjoy it as an after-dinner dessert, it fits seamlessly into any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving. If you forget an ingredient or make a small mistake, chances are your banana bread will still turn out delicious.

Perfect for Using Overripe Bananas

One of the greatest benefits of this banana bread recipe is that it helps reduce food waste. Overripe bananas are often overlooked, but they are perfect for baking. Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them ideal for creating a moist and flavorful loaf. Instead of tossing those brown bananas in the trash, transform them into something delightful that everyone will love.

Moreover, using overripe bananas is not just environmentally friendly; it also enhances the flavor of your banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, resulting in a richer taste. This recipe celebrates the beauty of those often-discarded fruits, turning them into a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your banana bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your banana bread:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Incorporate Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. Don't overmix!

Pour into Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread fresh or toasted!

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

To ensure your banana bread comes out perfectly every time, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing your batter. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread instead of the light, tender loaf you’re aiming for. Gently folding the ingredients together will keep your banana bread fluffy and inviting.

Customization Ideas

This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious add-ins. Consider mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, adding chocolate chips can take your banana bread to the next level. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add an extra layer of warmth to the flavor profile.

For a tropical twist, try incorporating shredded coconut or even pineapple chunks. Each variation brings a unique taste that can cater to different preferences and occasions. Don't be afraid to get creative—this banana bread can easily become your go-to recipe for any gathering!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and mash them before adding to the mixture.

→ How can I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.