Classic Homemade Banana Bread

What you'll need

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or about 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla.
4. Add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then gently stir in the flour just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
5. Add optional extras. Fold in cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Start checking around 50 minutes; ovens and pans vary.
7. Cool. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool further before slicing.

Easy ways to customize it

• Cinnamon banana bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Nutty banana bread: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Chocolate chip banana bread: Add about 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
• Extra banana flavor: Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Helpful baking basics

Accurate measuring and a properly heated oven make a big difference. For flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down. An inexpensive oven thermometer can also help if your oven runs hotter or cooler than its setting.

If you are building your first baking setup, see our 10 Baking Essentials Every Beginner Baker Needs.

If you bake often and want easier mixing, you can also compare stand mixers.