Easy Banana Bread Recipes

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for using up overripe bananas. Whether you prefer it moist and dense or light and fluffy, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Let’s dive into 5 easy banana bread recipes that will have your kitchen smelling amazing!

1. Moist Banana Bread

This is one of the ultimate banana bread recipes that stays moist for days. It’s loaded with bananas, tangy-sweet raisins, and toasted walnuts for incredible flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Mix in mashed bananas and eggs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to banana mixture and stir just until combined.
4. Fold in vanilla, walnuts and raisins. Pour into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

2. Healthy Banana Bread

One of the healthiest banana bread recipes is made with whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. It’s moist, tender and simply delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 1/2 medium or 2 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup milk of your choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil and honey. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then whisk in the mashed bananas and milk. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

3. Banana Bread Muffins

These easy banana bread muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. The recipe makes 15 muffins so you can enjoy them all week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt, mashed bananas and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Fold in nuts if using.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them to the top.
6. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F. Keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce heat to 350°F. Bake for an additional 16-17 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This banana bread has a delicious cinnamon sugar swirl running through the middle. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt, mashed bananas and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
6. Spread half the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
7. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

For a richer, sweeter banana bread, add some chocolate chips! This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

These 5 easy banana bread recipes are perfect for using up overripe bananas and satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you prefer it healthy, loaded with mix-ins, or with a cinnamon swirl, there’s a recipe here for every banana bread lover. Enjoy!