If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing, this Irresistible Banana Bread is the answer. Made with overripe bananas, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla, this loaf turns simple ingredients into a soft, moist, flavor-packed treat you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted the next morning, this banana bread is the perfect blend of cozy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic for a reason—it’s quick to make, uses basic pantry staples, and always tastes like home. This version strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and rich banana flavor, while the optional cinnamon, walnuts, or chocolate chips give you the flexibility to customize it to your liking. It’s great for breakfast, snacks, and even gifting. Best of all, it only requires one bowl for the wet ingredients and one for the dry, making cleanup unbelievably easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make Banana Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2 — Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 3 — Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4 — Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. This ensures even distribution.
Step 5 — Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry mixture into the banana mixture. Mix only until combined—overmixing can make the loaf tough.
Step 6 — Add Optional Mix-Ins
Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Step 7 — Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8 — Cool & Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Add moisture magic: Use very overripe bananas—deep brown spots mean more sweetness and tenderness.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.
- Try a swirl: Add a ribbon of Nutella or cinnamon sugar for a fun twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Fold chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle some on top.
Irresistible Banana Bread for a Perfect Breakfast
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This irresistible banana bread is soft, moist, and full of rich banana flavor—perfect for breakfast or snacking. Simple ingredients bake into a tender loaf that’s cozy, delicious, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
3 large overripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the bananas and whisk until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Fold dry ingredients into banana mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in optional walnuts or chocolate chips.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use very overripe bananas for the best sweetness and texture.
Do not overmix the batter—this helps keep the loaf soft and tender.
Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips all work well as add-ins.
Store at room temperature for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 45
Serving Ideas & Storage
- Enjoy warm with a smear of butter or honey.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a cozy chai latte.
- Make banana bread French toast for an extra indulgent breakfast.
Storage:
- Room Temp: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Banana Bread is everything you want in a breakfast loaf—soft, moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you bake it for your family, share it with friends, or save it for busy mornings, this recipe delivers comfort in every slice.