Rich Banana Bread

Rich Banana Bread is soft, moist, and packed with bold banana flavor. This classic quick bread uses ripe bananas, butter, and warm spices to create a delicious treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s simple to make and requires just a few basic pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses overripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Stays moist for days.
Easy one-bowl preparation.
Perfect for freezing or gifting.

Ingredients

3 large ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Do not overmix; stir just until combined.
- If using nuts, fold them in now.
Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve
- Slice and serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or honey.

Tips and Variations

Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
Add chocolate chips for a dessert version.
Replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Freeze cooled slices for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Rich Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting loaf. Whether served plain or with toppings, it’s a perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create a treat the whole family will love.