Butter
Melted unsalted butter gives the loaf a rich flavor.
You can substitute an equal amount of melted coconut oil or another neutral cooking oil if needed.
Sugar
Granulated sugar works beautifully, but you can replace part of it with brown sugar for a deeper, slightly caramel-like flavor.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the easiest choice.
A portion can be replaced with whole-wheat flour, although using too much can make the loaf heavier.
Nuts
Don’t like nuts?
Leave them out.
Banana bread certainly doesn’t need them.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are completely optional, but they’re one of my favorite additions.
Especially when they’re still a little melty in a warm slice.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides.
That little parchment sling makes lifting the finished loaf out incredibly easy.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth.
A few small banana pieces are perfectly fine.
In fact, I like seeing little pockets of banana throughout the finished loaf.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir until everything is well combined.
No mixer needed!
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it.
Stir gently until just combined.
Don’t overmix.
This is one of the most important banana bread tips.
Once you no longer see streaks of dry flour, stop stirring.
Step 5: Add Your Extras
If you’re using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
Try not to stir any more than necessary.
Step 6: Pour Into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Use a spatula to smooth the top.
For a pretty bakery-style finish, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the top before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50–60 minutes.
