Name: Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks melted unsalted butter; 1¾ cup sugar; 4 eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup whole milk; 8 mashed bananas; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 cups all-purpose flour; Pinch of sea salt; 1½ cups roughly chopped walnuts; Optional topping: ¼ cup light brown sugar mixed with ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Recipe

This banana bread is incredibly moist thanks to the combination of butter, oil, and ripe bananas. It has a perfectly balanced sweetness and a soft texture with just the right amount of crunch from walnuts.

It’s also a great way to use overripe bananas and can easily be made ahead, stored, or frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 sticks melted unsalted butter
1 ¾ cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup whole milk
8 mashed bananas
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups all-purpose flour
pinch of sea salt
1 ½ cups roughly chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until fully combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and milk, stirring until smooth. Add the mashed bananas and mix until fully incorporated.

Whisk in the baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.

Add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts using a rubber spatula.

Divide the batter evenly between two 9×5-inch loaf pans that have been greased or sprayed with nonstick spray.

For an optional topping, mix ¼ cup packed light brown sugar with ¼ cup chopped walnuts and sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Bake for 80 to 90 minutes, or until the tops are browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The internal temperature should reach about 198°F.

Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring to a rack. Slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 16 servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 80 to 90 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.

Stir in shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter before baking for a richer variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or toast them lightly for a crisp edge.

You can also freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots, as they are sweeter and easier to mash.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or adding too much flour can result in a dense texture.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make muffins instead of loaves?

Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if it’s underbaked or if too much moisture is present.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar, especially if your bananas are very ripe.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

You can use a fork, potato masher, or even a mixer for a smoother texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Recipe is a dependable and delicious way to turn ripe bananas into a soft, flavorful treat. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make and always satisfying.