America’s Favorite Loaf
Banana bread has become one of the most beloved and frequently searched recipes in the United States. It’s moist, comforting, and the best way to use overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. Whether you eat it for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert, banana bread feels like home in every slice.
Ingredients
For one standard loaf (9×5 inch pan, about 8–10 slices):
3–4 ripe bananas (with brown spots, about 300–350 g), mashed
1/3 cup (75 g) white sugar
1/3 cup (75 g) light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or 1/4 cup (60 g) melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Optional: 1/2 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth (a few small lumps are fine).
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the sugars, egg, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla to the bananas.
Stir until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional spices.
5. Mix Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
6. Add Mix-ins (Optional)
Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or other add-ins if desired.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Use very ripe bananas — the browner the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
Don’t overmix — this keeps the bread tender and moist.
Butter vs. oil — butter adds flavor, while oil keeps it extra moist.
Add your twist — chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter can make it unique.
Storage — wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for 2–3 months.
Why Banana Bread Is So Popular
It’s simple: no special tools, easy steps.
It’s comforting: the flavor is sweet, rich, and nostalgic.
It’s practical: a great way to use up bananas that are too ripe.
It’s adaptable: can be made healthy, indulgent, or with endless variations.
✅ Now you’ve got the most searched-for recipe right now: Banana Bread.