Quick and Easy Banana Bread: A No-Fail Recipe for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for a simple, foolproof banana bread recipe, this is the one! Perfectly soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor, this Quick and Easy Banana Bread is ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk or almond milk (optional, for extra moisture)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a standard 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Ingredients

1. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, vanilla extract, and milk (if using). Mix until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Incorporate Add-Ins: Gently fold in any add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.

3. Bake the Banana Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and perfect for baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try coconut flakes, seeds, or even a swirl of Nutella for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Serve plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
• Decadent Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
• On the Go: Slice and pack for a quick snack or breakfast.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before enjoying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—add your favorite mix-ins to make it your own!