Hey y'all! If you're looking for the perfect way to use up those spotty, sweet bananas sitting on your counter, you've found it! This Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas is soft, moist, and brimming with comforting flavors, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this easy recipe will give you deliciously golden banana bread every single time. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
- Super moist and tender crumb thanks to overripe bananas.
- Quick and easy to make – just one bowl and no mixer needed!
- Packed with cozy, nostalgic banana flavor in every bite.
- Customizable with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert!
Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas: Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions: How to Make Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until completely smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins
Fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if desired.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes: Tips for the Best Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
- Use super ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Learn more about choosing bananas.
- Don't overmix the batter – stir just until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Variations: Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas, Your Way
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ¾ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Required Equipment for Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Storage Instructions for Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
Store cooled banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas: Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
Pro Tips for Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean, even pieces.
- For extra moisture, add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- To quickly ripen bananas, bake them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes. See detailed instructions.
FAQ: Banana Bread Recipe with Ripe Bananas
- Can I use frozen bananas?
- Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and drain off any excess liquid before using in the recipe.
- Why is my banana bread dense?
- Overmixing the batter can make banana bread tough and dense. Stir until just combined for a tender loaf.
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Absolutely – substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty, wholesome twist.
For more baking inspiration and nutritional information about bananas, check out EatRight.org.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
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3Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix until well combined.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
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5Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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6Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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