This banana bread recipe is moist, rich, and packed with real banana flavor. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or just craving something cozy, this one-bowl recipe comes together in minutes. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon for a personal touch—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.
Yields: 1 loaf
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55-65 minutes
Why This Recipe is Perfect
✔ Uses overripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter!)
✔ No mixer needed – just one bowl
✔ Stays moist for 5 days (thanks to a surprise ingredient)
✔ Customizable – add nuts, chocolate, or spices
Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mash bananas.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients.
Stir in the melted butter, baking soda, and salt into the mashed bananas. The mixture might bubble slightly. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Add flour and walnuts.
Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

Step 5: Pour batter into pan.
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If desired, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top before baking.

Step 7: Cool and serve.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

💎 Chef’s Pro Tips
✅ Banana trick: Microwave unpeeled bananas for 30 seconds if not ripe enough
✅ Extra moist: Wrap cooled bread in foil overnight
✅ Freezer-friendly: Slice and freeze for 3 months
📊 Nutrition (Per Slice)
| Calories 220 | Protein 3g | Carbs 32g |
| Sugar 16g | Fat 9g | Gluten-Free Option ✔ |
🍽 Serving Ideas
Breakfast Upgrade: Toast slices + spread with peanut butter
Dessert Mode: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Gift-Worthy: Wrap in parchment + twine
Slice and enjoy!
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