Classic Banana Bread Recipe

An easy recipe for classic banana bread, like grandma used to make! This recipe has been passed down for generations in my family because it's a keeper! If you love a moist banana bread studded with chocolate chips, read on!
sliced banana bread, blue and white plate

Updated April, 2022

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I've been making this classic banana bread recipe for as long as I can remember. It was passed down to my mom from my Nana...and who knows who passed it to her.

It's a family tradition, really! A tried-and-true, can't fail recipe!

I don't share a lot of recipes here on DIY Beautify so if you see one, you know that means it's a family favorite and loved by even the pickiest of eaters! Thankfully my kiddos have become much less picky about food as they've grown...in fact, they all eat pretty much everything these days! The only exception would be my 17 year old daughter Abby, who still hates seafood (we're working on her!)

Don't miss these other family favorite recipes


Classic Banana Bread Recipe

This banana bread recipe has no secret ingredients or special bells and whistles. It's a true classic and turns out delicious every time I make it. There is sugar and eggs and flour so if you're on a special diet, you'll need to search for another recipe. If you're looking for just a good classic banana bread recipe, look no further!

thick slices of fresh banana bread

This is a moist banana bread with a delicate crumb. My nana's original recipe calls for walnuts, but I started replacing those with chocolate chips when my kids were young, and we knew we had a winner! So use what your family prefers. My son recently baked this with both mini chocolate chips and walnuts and it was really good!

I've included a printable recipe card below for your convenience.

Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread

  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 egg well beaten
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips (or a combo of both)

How to make classic banana bread

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This is optional, but makes removing the baked bread from the pan to cool so much simpler!

recipe book, loaf pan and mixed banana bread batter

I have found that mixing the ingredients in my KitchenAid stand mixer makes for easier and faster prep. If you don't have a stand mixer you could use a hand mixer or mix it by hand like mom and nana used to with a wood spoon 😉

Cream the softened butter with brown sugar.

Add the egg, then the bananas and mix well.

Sift dry ingredients together separately and then add to wet mixture. Blend just until dry ingredients are fully incorporated, mixing in the chocolate chips and/or walnuts by hand. The batter should look nice and creamy.

creamy smooth banana bread batter with chocolate chips

Pour batter into loaf pan and give it a tap on counter to release any air pockets.

banana bread batter in loaf pan, parchment paper

Bake on middle rack of oven for 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife or wooden skewer into the middle. It should come out clean.

baked banana bread, toothpick

Take bread of oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes, then lift out of pan with the paper. Let cool completely then peel off the waxed paper. Voila, your pan stays clean!

baked banana bread cooling on rack

Let banana bread cool down completely before slicing it. 

TIP: don't slice the whole loaf unless you're serving it! Banana bread will stay moist if you only slice as needed.

To store, pop into a ziploc bag and keep in fridge. My kids like to reheat their bread in the microwave for about 8 seconds while I prefer mine cold!

store banana bread in ziploc bag

Butter isn't necessary because this loaf is so moist, but I do like to add a little bit to my slice of freshly baked banana bread!

banana bread slice with butter, blue plate


banana bread crumbs, slice with bite taken out

Homemade banana bread never lasts more than a day or two around our home and it's always a treat! I hope you enjoy this easy classic banana bread recipe as much as the DIY Beautify family does! I guarantee you won't hear any whining, "do I have to eat that?" They'll be lined up at the kitchen door!

Click here for a printable recipe card


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Comments

  1. I love banana bread! Will have to try this. Never made it with brown sugar. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jann, you will love it, easy and just plain yummy!

      Delete
  2. I am all about EASIEST bread ever! Banana bread is my favorite!

    Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us at Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party! Join us again on Saturday morning at 8:00 am EST!

    ~ Ashley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ashley for the late reply...I was sunning on the beach in Cabo (just had to rub it in!!) Haha
      Seriously though, this is some yummy banana bread, I hope you try it :)

      Delete

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