11 Quick and Easy Banana Bread Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again

Written by Sarah in Breads & Baking

Banana bread is a beloved classic that brings warm, comforting flavors to any kitchen. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, there’s something special about whipping up these delightful loaves. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for using overripe bananas, and offer endless ways to customize with your favorite ingredients. Let’s dive into 11 quick and easy banana bread recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again!

1. Classic Banana Bread

Simple and satisfying, this traditional recipe never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash bananas in a bowl and mix in butter.
  2. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla. Combine baking soda and salt with flour, and mix until just blended.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Indulge your sweet tooth with this chocolatey twist!

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix mashed bananas and butter in a bowl.
  2. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then gently fold in the flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead!

3. Walnut Banana Bread

Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture to your banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash the bananas and mix with melted butter.
  2. Stir in brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in walnuts.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Substitute walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor!

4. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

The perfect combination of sweet and spicy, this banana bread will wow your guests.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for swirling)

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix bananas and butter, then stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then mix into the wet ingredients.
  3. Pour half into a greased pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter. Swirl gently and bake for 60-65 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add nuts for an extra crunch in each bite.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter lovers will adore this rich, nutty variant!

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash bananas and mix with butter and peanut butter.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, and baking soda, then blend in flour.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Mix in chocolate chips or a swirl of jam for added flavor.

6. Vegan Banana Bread

Enjoy a guilt-free treat with this vegan version of banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash bananas and combine with melted coconut oil.
  2. Add sugar, flaxseed mixture, and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Substitute flaxseed with applesauce for moisture and sweetness.

7. Lemon Zest Banana Bread

Brighten your day with this citrusy twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix mashed bananas and butter, then add sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
  2. Combine baking soda and salt with flour before folding into the wet ingredients.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add poppy seeds for a delightful crunch!

8. Coconut Banana Bread

Experience a taste of the tropics with this coconut-infused banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine bananas and melted coconut oil in a bowl.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix baking soda, salt, and flour; combine with the wet ingredients and fold in shredded coconut.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Try adding macadamia nuts for an extra crunch!

9. Spiced Pumpkin Banana Bread

Combine the flavors of fall with this deliciously spiced banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix pumpkin puree and melted butter, followed by mashed bananas.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then mix in baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add walnuts for added crunch and flavor!

10. Almond Flour Banana Bread

Enjoy a gluten-free option with this almond flour banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups almond flour

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mash bananas and combine with melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla.
  2. Mix in baking soda, salt, and almond flour until well combined.
  3. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Fold in dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

11. Banana Bread Muffins

Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, these banana bread muffins are a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the melted butter with mashed bananas in a bowl.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine baking soda and salt with flour, then add to the mixture until just combined.
  3. Scoop into a greased muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Top with your favorite seeds or nuts for added texture.

Whichever recipe you choose, baking banana bread is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of ripe bananas and create something special for yourself or your loved ones. So why not try one, or even all, of these delicious recipes today? Happy baking!

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