Home & Kitchen with Caraway

The Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe

Key Takeaways

When making banana bread, use overripe bananas and fresh baking soda for the best flavor, texture, and rise.
Mix gently to keep the crumb tender and avoid a dense loaf.
Customize with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices for your perfect banana bread.

At Caraway , we believe banana bread should be simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or baking for a weekend treat, this recipe delivers a moist, tender loaf with just the right amount of sweetness.

Using wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a slice-worthy loaf in under an hour, with no fancy equipment required.

Why This Is the Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is one of those treats that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of fuss. This recipe checks all the boxes: moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and a simple method anyone can follow. The secret? Perfectly overripe bananas (think dark brown spots and soft texture) and quality ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup melted butter or
neutral oil
¾ cup sugar (white, brown, or a mix)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Caraway Tip: Use fresh baking soda to ensure your loaf rises evenly and has that tender, airy crumb.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan. Our 1 lb Loaf Pan is perfect for banana bread, with its non-toxic, naturally slick ceramic coating that makes baking and cleanup a breeze. Line with parchment if you’d like extra easy release. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter (or oil) to the mashed bananas, then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make your bread dense.

4. Customize Your Loaf

Fold in any extras, like nuts for crunch, chocolate chips for sweetness, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey , or a spread of almond butter. For a fun twist, turn day-old banana bread into French toast or top slices with yogurt and berries for breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe is too ripe for banana bread?

As long as there’s no mold or fermentation smell, even very brown, spotty bananas are perfect.

I accidentally overmixed—can I fix it?

Not mid-bake, but topping with nuts or streusel can add texture to offset a dense crumb.

How do I make it less sweet?

Cut the sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting the texture.

Final Word

6 Piece Half Bakeware Set - White - Complimentary Storage Included

We love recipes that bring comfort and flavor without extra effort, and this banana bread is exactly that. It’s a great way to reduce food waste, fill your kitchen with the smell of home baking, and enjoy a treat that’s as good fresh out of the oven as it is toasted the next day.

If you’re ready to bake with healthier, non-toxic cookware, try making this loaf in our ceramic-coated bakeware . It ensures even heating, easy release, and no “forever chemicals” in your favorite recipes.

Sources:

Beyond Bananas: 16 Potassium-Rich Foods | Cleveland Clinic

Healthy Cooking Oils | American Heart Association

6 Health Benefits of Honey | AARP