Best Banana Bread Recipe

This is the Best Banana Bread Recipe. Cinnamon and chocolate chips are the surprise flavors that make this moist banana bread an instant favorite.

Looking to mix it up? Try our Peanut Butter Banana Bread, Classic Zucchini Bread or my favorite Pumpkin Banana Bread. 

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Banana Bread Recipe

I think we all know that banana bread is having a moment right now, and I am not complaining. I’m only questioning why everyone is just now realizing the greatness that this a simple loaf of banana bread. 

This easy recipe for the best banana bread is simple to throw together with just a handful of staple pantry ingredients but produces high-quality bakery results. The overly ripe bananas make for a moist texture providing us with a perfectly soft sweet dessert that no one can resist. 

One bite and you’ll be hooked! Trust me, my family hasn’t gone a month without requesting this recipe in over 10 years!

How To Know When Your Bananas Are Ripe Enough For Banana Bread 

When choosing bananas to use for your banana bread recipe, it’s important to make sure they are perfectly ripe. You don’t want any remnants of green left on the peel. The bananas should be completely ripe, with brown spots present on the peel. I typically judge the “readiness” of my bananas by letting them ripen about 2 days past the last day I would consider them still acceptable to eat plain, as a snack. 

Can I Freeze Bananas?

If you want to stock up on over-ripe bananas until you have enough to make this banana bread recipe, store them in the freezer. You can store bananas in the freezer as is for up to 4 months. Once you have enough to make your recipe, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or until soft. 

 

How To Make The Best Banana Bread

(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

This moist banana bread recipe is easily the most requested recipe from my family, which is why I’m so thankful it’s easy to throw together. 

All you have to do to make your own homemade chocolate chip banana bread is this: Start by greasing the bottom of a loaf pan and set aside. Next, you will use an electric mixer to cream together sugar and butter, then add in the eggs one at a time. Once all the eggs have been added, you’ll mix in milk, bananas and vanilla.

Next up is the dry ingredients. You will stir in all dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the completed batter into the greased loaf pan and bake until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Optional ad-ins:

• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter chips
• Walnuts 
• Pecans 
• Cinnamon Sugar swirl 
• Vanilla or cream cheese glaze 

Secrets To Making The Best Banana Bread

Grease the pan: If you’re anything like me, you like to err on the side of over-greasing the pan to avoid sticking, but if you want a picture-perfect banana bread, then you should avoid over greasing. Only grease the bottom of the pan, and a 1/2 inch up the sides to produce an even loaf with a nice rounded top (greasing all the way up the sides will produce a loaf with a flat top).

Properly mix the ingredients: Do NOT overmix the batter! This is not a cake, so no need to mix until completely smooth. The batter should be thick and lumpy to produce a soft texture and consistent crumb. Overmixing can cause a heavy, uneven loaf.

Don’t Over Bake: The best way to check the doneness of your chocolate chip banana bread is to stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs attached, you’re good to go! If the middle is still gooey, but the top is already perfectly browned, place a sheet of foil over the top to prevent the top layer from burning.

 

Ways To Store and Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread can be served and stored a few different ways depending on your preferences. 

• Room temperature: This is my preferred way to store this recipe for the best ever banana bread. Simply cover the loaf pan with foil or plastic wrap and store it on the counter for up to 5 days. 
• Refrigerated: If you prefer your bread to have more stability, try storing it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will firm up the banana bread making it easier for spreading butter or any other toppings. To store in the refrigerator, cover the loaf pan with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. 
• Frozen: To store for later, let the bread cool completely, then simply cover the entire loaf with plastic wrap and store for up to 4 months. 

How To Reheat Banana Bread: 

To serve warm, wrap a slice of your banana bread in a paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Top with a swipe of butter for a delicious breakfast or snack! 

 

Find More Amazing Banana Recipes Here!

Banana Nutella Milkshake – Calling all Nutella lovers: It’s time to meet your new favorite treat! This Banana Nutella Milkshake is a delicious way to incorporate the favorite hazelnut spread into your day!

Caramel Banana French Toast – A decadent french toast with homemade caramel sauce and bananas, an easy-to-make gourmet breakfast you can make at home.

Banana Buster Brown Cupcakes – Ripe mashed bananas mixed with cocoa powder make a moist delicious cupcake, only made better by topping with peanut butter brown sugar buttercream. A sweet flavor combination that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.

Easy Banana Cake – Made from scratch and receives rave reviews for its prominent banana flavor! It’s so moist, tender, and delicious, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a perfect dessert your family will love.

Pineapple Banana Hummingbird Cake – The same great flavors as the popular layer cake but simplified by baking in mini loaf pans.  It’s easy as can be when you use a cake mix, instant pudding mix, and canned pineapple. 

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Tools Used to Make This Banana Bread Recipe

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Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer:

I honestly don’t know where I would be without my stand mixer! It’s truly a lifesaver for anyone who does a decent amount of baking or cooking. With that being said, if you aren’t ready to commit to a stand mixer purchase, a good hand mixer works just as well too!

Non-stick Mini Loaf Pan: 

If you don’t want to make just one loaf for yourself, then try using this mini loaf pan that allows you to make 4 smaller loaves, perfect for gifting! 

Ruffled Loaf Pan:

Step up your quick bread with this sophisticated ruffled loaf pan. This durable, scratch and heat-resistant loaf pan is ideal for all of your quick bread recipes!

 

UPDATED APRIL 2020. We spiffed up this post with more info and better pictures! No changes to the original recipe.