This Banana Banana Bread is the ultimate solution to overripe bananas. Moist, rich, and packed with banana flavor, it’s a beloved classic that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this homemade loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With a soft, tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe is tried, true, and irresistibly delicious.
Beloved by home bakers, it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it a must-have addition to any cookbook. With a soft, tender crumb and a golden crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2⅓ cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4–5 bananas)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
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Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir until just combined do not overmix.
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Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes & Tips
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Use very ripe bananas the blacker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
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Add-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter take this to the next level.
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For muffins: Divide into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
The Ultimate Banana Banana Bread: Moist, Classic, and Full of Flavor
Few things are as comforting as the warm, sweet aroma of banana bread baking in the oven. It fills your kitchen with a sense of home, nostalgia, and indulgence. Among all the banana bread recipes out there, Banana Banana Bread stands out not just for its catchy name, but because it delivers on everything a perfect banana bread should be: moist, soft, rich in banana flavor, and wonderfully simple.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a go-to recipe, this version is the kind that becomes a household favorite. Passed around at potlucks, requested at family gatherings, and ideal for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is a beautiful example of how something so basic can be incredibly satisfying.
Why “Banana Banana Bread?
You might wonder why the double “banana”? It’s not a typo or a quirky twist; it’s a reflection of how banana-forward this bread really is. With over two full cups of mashed bananas, this loaf leans into the natural sweetness and moisture that ripe bananas offer. Unlike some recipes that only hint at the banana flavor, this one makes it the star of the show.
The result is a moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, while the natural sugars from the bananas caramelize beautifully during baking, creating a deep, complex flavor you don’t get from just a banana or two.
A Brief History of Banana Bread
Banana bread as we know it became popular in the United States during the 1930s, right around the time baking powder and baking soda became common household staples. Before that, bananas were seen as exotic, and overripe ones were often discarded. But with the Great Depression encouraging people to stretch their groceries and waste less, creative home bakers found ways to use every last item including soft, speckled bananas.
From its humble beginnings, banana bread quickly evolved into an American classic. By the mid-20th century, it was appearing in cookbooks across the country. What makes banana bread so enduring is its flexibility it can be dressed up or down, customized endlessly, and enjoyed at nearly any time of day.
What Makes This Banana Bread So Good?
The magic in this particular banana bread recipe lies in its simplicity and its balance. There are no gimmicks just honest ingredients working in harmony:
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The bananas provide moisture, natural sweetness, and a distinct flavor that defines the bread.
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Butter adds richness and enhances the tender texture.
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Brown sugar introduces a slight molasses note and helps with moisture retention.
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Eggs bind everything together and help give structure and lift.
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And just the right amount of baking soda and salt ensures the loaf rises well and tastes balanced.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels foolproof but never boring. You can make it dozens of times, and each time it feels like a warm hug.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time
If you want to take your banana bread to the next level, here are a few expert tips:
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Use very ripe bananas. The darker and spottier the peel, the better. These bananas are at their sweetest and will yield the richest flavor.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough and dense.
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Check doneness with a toothpick. Every oven is different. Start checking at the 55-minute mark and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Let it cool properly. Allowing the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Delicious Add-Ins and Variations
While the original banana banana bread is already amazing, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily make it your own by adding:
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Chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch and a toasted flavor.
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Chocolate chips – For a sweeter version, dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the loaf for gooey pockets of goodness.
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Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can introduce a cozy warmth.
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Swirls – Try swirling in peanut butter, Nutella, or cream cheese for a decadent twist.
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Whole wheat flour – Swap half the flour for whole wheat to add fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
The beauty of banana bread is its adaptability. You can create new versions based on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving that day.
How to Serve Banana Bread
Banana bread is a treat on its own, but there are many creative ways to enjoy it:
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Toasted with butter – A slice warmed and spread with salted butter is heavenly.
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French toast-style – Dip slices in egg and pan-fry for a banana bread twist on French toast.
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With cream cheese or jam – A schmear of cream cheese or a fruity jam elevates each bite.
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As dessert – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted the next morning with coffee, banana bread offers comfort and satisfaction in every slice.
Storage and Freezing
This bread stores beautifully. Once completely cool, you can:
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Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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Refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
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Freeze for up to 3 months either whole or sliced. Just wrap in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave individual slices.
Having a loaf (or slices) in the freezer is perfect for last-minute guests, weekday snacks, or unexpected cravings.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This Banana Banana Bread isn’t just another recipe it’s the kind that becomes part of your regular routine. It’s easy, reliable, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or just yourself, it offers a sense of comfort and joy with minimal effort.
Many banana bread recipes are good, but this one gets it right in every category: texture, flavor, moisture, ease of preparation, and flexibility. It’s also an ideal starter recipe for kids or beginners who want to learn baking basics.
Conclusion:
In a world full of trends and fleeting food fads, banana bread remains a timeless favorite and this Banana Banana Bread recipe is one you’ll treasure. It embodies everything homemade baked goods should be: simple, satisfying, and full of love. It’s a great way to reduce food waste, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself or others to something truly special.
So the next time you see those bananas going soft on your counter, don’t toss them. Embrace the magic of homemade banana bread. You’ll be amazed at how something so humble can bring such rich reward.