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Basic banana bread recipe

Basic Banana Bread Recipe

Make the best basic banana bread recipe with ripe bananas and simple pantry ingredients. Moist, fluffy, easy to bake, and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

  2. Mash the Bananas

    Place the ripe bananas into a large bowl.
    Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture.

  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

    Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
    Whisk until everything is well combined.

  4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together:
    Flour
    Baking soda
    Salt
    This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed.

  5. Mix Everything Together

    Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
    Stir gently until no dry flour remains.
    Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense instead of tender.
    If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at the end.

  6. Bake

    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
    Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  7. Cool

    Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
    Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.