How to Make Banana Bread | An Easy, Moist Banana Cake Recipe in the Oven
Making homemade banana bread is easy, even if you are new to baking. All you need are ripe bananas, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and a few basic baking ingredients. Simply mash the bananas, mix them with the wet and dry ingredients, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 50–60 minutes.
The secret to delicious banana bread is using very ripe bananas and avoiding overmixing the batter. These simple steps help create a soft, moist loaf with a naturally sweet banana flavor.
🍌 Banana Bread at a Glance
Oven temperature: 180°C (350°F)
Baking time: Approximately 50–60 minutes
Main ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, 200g flour, 100g butter, and 2 eggs
Texture: Soft, moist, and tender
Best baking tip: Use very ripe bananas and mix the batter gently.
🍞 Ingredients for Homemade Banana Bread
You can make a delicious loaf with everyday baking ingredients. Prepare a standard loaf pan or pound cake tin.
2 very ripe bananas
200g all-purpose flour
100g unsalted butter
80–100g sugar
2 eggs
5g baking powder
A pinch of salt
A little vanilla extract (optional)
Choose bananas with brown or black spots on their peels. These bananas are softer, sweeter, and more flavorful than underripe ones, making them ideal for banana bread.
👩🍳 How to Make Banana Bread in the Oven
1. Mash the Bananas
Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork in a mixing bowl. You do not need to make them completely smooth. A few small banana pieces can add extra texture and flavor to the finished loaf.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar
Let the butter soften at room temperature. Add the sugar and mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the mashed bananas and stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
Gently fold everything together with a spatula until no visible dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing, as excessive mixing can develop gluten and make the banana bread dense or tough.
4. Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Spread the surface evenly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 50–60 minutes.
Baking times may vary depending on your oven and pan size. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out without wet batter, the banana bread is ready. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
5. Cool Before Slicing
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan briefly. Transfer it to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Cooling helps the loaf hold its shape and gives you cleaner slices with a soft, moist center.
✨ Tips for Better Banana Bread
Use very ripe bananas for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter dessert-style loaf.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
Allow the loaf to cool completely before cutting for the best texture.
☕ How to Store Homemade Banana Bread
Once completely cooled, store banana bread in an airtight container.
For short-term storage, keep it in a cool environment. Refrigeration is useful when you need to keep it longer, while freezing is a convenient option for longer-term storage.
To freeze banana bread, slice the loaf into individual portions and wrap them separately. You can thaw a slice at room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy Your Homemade Banana Bread!
With just two ripe bananas and a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious homemade treat without complicated baking techniques. Try this easy oven-baked banana bread recipe, and enjoy a soft, moist slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.