Banana bread is a classic, comforting treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. This recipe ensures a moist and flavorful loaf that will quickly become a household favorite.
The Best Banana Bread
Why This Banana Bread Is the Best
Moist and Tender: The bread is incredibly moist, thanks to the ripe bananas and a hint of yogurt.
Rich Banana Flavor: Loaded with ripe bananas, this bread bursts with natural sweetness and banana flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile Add-Ins: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the bread to your liking.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Banana Bread is the perfect choice. The combination of moist texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
For exact quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post (scroll down).
- Bananas: Use 3 spotty medium-sized bananas, about 300g.
- Butter: You can substitute butter with oil, but butter adds a richer flavor.
- Buttermilk: Store-bought or homemade substitutes work.
Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar is best. You can use white sugar, but it will slightly change the texture, as brown sugar makes the bread denser and moister. - Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure they are not expired.
- Salt: Kosher or sea salt is recommended for the best flavor. If using table salt, reduce the amount by half.
- Flour: You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser bread.
Tips
- Toast Nuts: If using nuts, toast them in the oven for 10 minutes as it preheats. This enhances their flavor.
- Mash Bananas: Mash the bananas to your preferred consistency—chunky or smooth—to achieve your desired bread texture.
- Check Doneness: Baking time may vary based on the moisture and sugar content of your bananas. Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes, then every 5 minutes after.
- Store Properly: Wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
- Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to 4 – 5 days, or wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. I suggest slicing the bread into individual slices and then freezing it.
Serving Suggestions
With a Spread of Butter: Enjoy a slice with a generous spread of butter for a simple and delicious treat.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
With a Cup of Coffee: A hot cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors of the bread perfectly.
With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
With a Sprinkle of Nuts: Garnish with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Banana Bread. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Moist, flavorful, and packed with banana goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Love bread? Be sure to check out these other delicious bread recipes!
The Best Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas about 300 grams
- 1/2 cup 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup 120 ml buttermilk
- 2 tsp 10 ml pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup 200 grams brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups 210 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans chopped (optional)
- Glaze
- 1 cup 120 grams powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp 45 ml milk
- 1 tsp 5 ml pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp walnuts or pecans finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease a bread loaf pan with non-stick baking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they're smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter until it's mixed well with the bananas.
- Add the buttermilk, vanilla, and sugar, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix them in.
- If you're using walnuts, add them now and mix until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared bread loaf pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a wooden pick comes out clean when inserted into the bread.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the glaze:
- Mix all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the banana bread.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Maram farrah
What can I substitute buttermilk with?
Holly Henry
Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar: For every 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt works well as a substitute. Use the same amount as you would buttermilk.
Sour Cream: Sour cream can also replace buttermilk in equal amounts. It adds a rich, tangy flavor.