Best Easy Banana Bread Recipes

Banana bread is a popular and delicious baked good made from ripe bananas. There are many different types of banana bread, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. Some popular variations include chocolate chip banana bread, peanut butter banana bread, banana nut bread, and cinnamon swirl banana bread. Other types of banana bread may incorporate ingredients like coconut, raisins, or blueberries. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a more adventurous flavor combination, there is a type of banana bread out there to suit your tastes. Here is a collection of the best easy banana bread recipes for you to try in your kitchen. 

Classic Banana Bread Recipe

​Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Add the baking soda and salt and stir.
5. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

​Serve the classic banana bread recipe warm or at room temperature, sliced and with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or jam.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

​Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Add the baking soda and salt and stir.
5. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the chocolate chip banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve the chocolate chip banana bread recipe warm or at room temperature, sliced, and with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter and melted butter and stir until well combined.
4. Add the baking soda and salt and stir.
5. Mix in the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the peanut butter banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve the peanut butter banana bread recipe warm or at room temperature, sliced and with a dollop of peanut butter or honey on top, if desired.

Banana Nut Bread Recipe

​Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Add the baking soda and salt and stir.
5. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped nuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the banana nut bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

​Serve the banana nut bread warm or at room temperature, sliced and with a spread of cream cheese or butter.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

​Ingredients: For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the banana bread batter:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
3. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
4. Stir in the melted butter.
5. Add the baking soda and salt and stir.
6. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
7. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter.
10. Pour the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon swirl mixture.
11. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter.
12. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.
13. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
14. Let the cinnamon swirl banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

* Tip! I find it very convenient to use pre-made cinnamon and sugar. 

Serve the cinnamon swirl banana bread warm or at room temperature, sliced, and with a cup of coffee or tea.

Banana bread is a classic and delicious baked good that is easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas. To make banana bread, you typically need ripe bananas, butter or oil, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking soda. There are also many variations of banana bread, such as chocolate chip banana bread, peanut butter banana bread, and cinnamon swirl banana bread, that incorporate different ingredients and flavors. Whatever recipe you choose, banana bread is a comforting and versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert.

Best easy banana bread recipes