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Competitive Banana Bread – 4.9 Stars Rated
Make the competitive banana bread with this tested recipe. Step-by-step guide with pro tips for amazing results every time!
⚡ Key Takeaways for banana bread
- ✅ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners
- ✅ Servings: 12
- ✅ Best For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions
- ✅ Pro Tip: Read the full recipe guide before starting
📑 Table of Contents
Banana Bread
This quick & easy banana bread recipe tastes delicious and is just like my grandma's old fashioned classic banana bread. It takes only 10 minutes or so to make this banana bread before putting in the oven. In addition, it only uses simple ingredients such as butter, eggs, sugar… and of course, bananas. For more great banana bread recipes, please visit Bread Dad (BreadDad.com).
This is the best banana bread you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.
If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy it turns out!
This banana bread recipe combines mashed, tablespoons, eggs for a delicious homemade dish. With just PT10M of prep time and PT70M of cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to serve [’12’, ’12 Slices’] people. The combination of flavors makes this banana bread perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, your family will ask for it again and again.
Why trust this recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof dish that works every time.
Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal
Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience
“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”
📋 Quick Overview
⏱️
Prep Time
10 minutes
🍳
Cook Time
70 minutes
⏰
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
🍽️
Servings
12
🔬 Why This banana bread Works Every Time
This is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes it special:
[‘Uses 9 simple ingredients you likely have at home’, ‘Ready in about PT70M – perfect for busy schedules’, ‘The mashed creates a rich, satisfying flavor’, ‘Easy technique that works every time’]
🥘 Ingredients for Banana Bread
Gather all items before you start. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!
- 1 1/2 Cups Mashed Bananas
- 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter ((softened))
- 2 Eggs ((large))
- 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
🛒 Ingredient Notes:
- Quality matters: Use fresh items for the best taste
- Room temp: Bring dairy and eggs to room temp first
- Measure right: Use cups and spoons for exact amounts
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (163 C).
Step 2: Mash bananas with a fork.
Step 3: Slice the butter into smaller chunks & then soften the butter in a microwave. FYI – I like to partially melt the butter for better mixability. However, do not fully melt the butter (turn it completely into a liquid).
< p>Step 4: Stir bananas, butter, eggs & sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully blended.
Step 5: Mix in remaining ingredients. Stir until the batter is fully mixed.
Step 6: Optional – If you want to improve this easy “basic” banana bread, you can stir in 1 cup of your family’s favorite dessert ingredient (i.e. chocolate chips or chopped walnuts) after you have mixed the batter.
Step 7: Pour the finished batter into a nonstick bread pan. Smooth out the top of the batter within the bread pan.
Step 8: Bake in the oven for 65 to 70 minutes at 325 degree F (163 C).
Step 9: Take out of oven and let the banana bread cool down in the bread pan for 10 minutes. Use oven mitts. Do not remove the banana bread from the bread pan during this 10 minute cool down period.
Step 10: After 10 minutes, remove the banana bread from the bread pan. Place the banana bread on a cooling rack in order to completely cool. This cool down may take 1 to 2 hours.
Step 11: Watch my recipe video on Bread Dad (BreadDad.com) if you want to see how each recipe step is done.
🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!
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💡 Expert Tips for Banana Bread
These pro tips will help you achieve perfect results every time:
- Prepare all 9 ingredients before starting (mise en place)
- Don’t skip the tablespoons – it adds essential flavor
- Let ingredients come to room temperature for even cooking
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- The banana bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
This banana bread is very flexible. Here are some tested options:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lighter Version | Reduce oil/butter by half for fewer calories |
| Spicy Version | Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat |
| Vegetarian Option | Substitute protein with beans or tofu |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free alternatives where needed |
This classic banana bread has been enjoyed in homes for generations. The combination of simple ingredients creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Over time, home cooks have adapted the recipe to suit their tastes while keeping the essential flavors intact.
- Rushing the cooking process: Allow proper time for flavors to develop
- Not seasoning enough: Taste and adjust salt throughout cooking
- Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed for proper browning
- Skipping the resting time: Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving
- Using cold ingredients: Bring ingredients to room temperature first
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
✅ Essential Equipment:
- Mixing bowls: At least 2 sizes for dry and wet ingredients
- Measuring cups & spoons: For accurate measurements
- Electric mixer or whisk: Stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works
💜 Helpful but Optional:
- Oven thermometer: Most ovens run hot or cold
- Kitchen scale: For precise flour measurements
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.
📊 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
332
Calories
12-20g
Protein
30-40g
Carbs
12-16g
Fat
Note: A balanced dish with a good mix of macronutrients.
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.
- Serve warm with crusty bread
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add rice or pasta as a side
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving
Temperature Control
Consistent heat ensures even cooking throughout
Layering Flavors
Add seasonings at different stages for depth
The Resting Period
Letting the dish rest allows flavors to meld together
🥡 How to Store Leftovers
Properly storing your banana bread ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.
🏠
Room Temp
3-5 days in a sealed box
❄️
Fridge
Up to 1 week sealed
🧊
Freezer
Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about this banana bread:
How long does it take to make Banana Bread?
This recipe takes 1 hour 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 70 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
What ingredients do I need for Banana Bread?
The main ingredients are: 1 1/2 Cups Mashed Bananas, 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter ((softened)), 2 Eggs ((large)), 1 Cup White Granulated Sugar, 2 Cups All Purpose Flour. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.
How do you store Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can you make Banana Bread ahead of time?
This recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
What can I serve with Banana Bread?
This recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
Can I freeze Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
📖 Full Recipe Card
Here is the full banana bread with all ingredients and instructions:
Banana Bread
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 1x
Description
This quick & easy banana bread recipe tastes delicious and is just like my grandma's old fashioned classic banana bread. It takes only 10 minutes or so to make this banana bread before putting in the oven. In addition, it only uses simple ingredients such as butter, eggs, sugar… and of course, bananas. For more great banana bread recipes, please visit Bread Dad (BreadDad.com).
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 Cups Mashed Bananas
8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter ((softened))
2 Eggs ((large))
1 Cup White Granulated Sugar
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (163 C).
Slice the butter into smaller chunks & then soften the butter in a microwave. FYI – I like to partially melt the butter for better mixability. However, do not fully melt the butter (turn it completely into a liquid).
Stir bananas, butter, eggs & sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully blended.
Optional – If you want to enhance this easy “basic” banana bread, you can stir in 1 cup of your family’s favorite dessert ingredient (i.e. chocolate chips or chopped walnuts) after you have mixed the batter.
Pour the finished batter into a nonstick bread pan. Smooth out the top of the batter within the bread pan.
Bake in the oven for 65 to 70 minutes at 325 degree F (163 C).
Take out of oven and let the banana bread cool down in the bread pan for 10 minutes. Use oven mitts. Do not remove the banana bread from the bread pan during this 10 minute cool down period.
After 10 minutes, remove the banana bread from the bread pan. Place the banana bread on a cooling rack in order to completely cool. This cool down may take 1 to 2 hours.
Watch my recipe video on Bread Dad (BreadDad.com) if you want to see how each recipe step is done.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitution: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
Pro Tip: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Did you make this banana bread?
I would love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Last updated: January 27, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.
