Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes that feels like a warm hug in food form. But did you know that its origins trace back to the Great Depression when home-bakers found creative ways to use overripe bananas instead of letting them go to waste?
Today, you’ll find variations of banana bread around the world—from the sweet, coconut-infused loaves of the Philippines to the dense, nutty banana cakes of West Africa. This version keeps it simple yet indulgent, striking the perfect balance between moist and fluffy, with a deep caramelized banana flavor.
A professional chef would tell you that the key to unforgettable banana bread lies in two things: the ripeness of your bananas (think speckled, almost black) and the technique of gently folding your dry ingredients to keep the crumb light. Want to add a global twist? A touch of cardamom or a drizzle of tahini can bring unexpected depth to your loaf.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- A Flavor Journey in Every Slice – The natural sweetness of ripe bananas caramelizes as they bake, creating a depth of flavor that rivals the best pastries from a Parisian café or a street-side bakery in Bangkok.
- Simple Yet Elevated – This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but includes a few pro tricks—like using melted butter for richness and a touch of cinnamon for warmth—to give it a bakery-worthy finish.
- Customizable to Your Taste – Whether you love it plain, loaded with chocolate chips, or with a Southern-inspired pecan crunch, this banana bread adapts beautifully to whatever you’re craving.
- Nourishing and Comforting – It’s not just dessert; it’s a perfect breakfast with a smear of almond butter or an afternoon snack that pairs beautifully with spiced chai.
- The Perfect Way to Reduce Waste – Turning overripe bananas into this golden, aromatic loaf is a simple way to practice sustainability while indulging in a treat that tastes like home.
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2⅓ cups mashed overripe bananas
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add eggs and mashed bananas to the butter mixture, stirring until fully blended.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 231kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Protein | 41g |
| Cholesterol | 51g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Nutty Crunch – Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
- Spiced Banana Bread – Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Tropical Vibes – Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut or diced pineapple for a tropical flair.
- Healthy Swap – Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
