Have a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Don’t toss them—turn them into something amazing with this easy banana bread recipe. It’s soft, moist, packed with banana flavor, and perfect for beginner bakers. As we head into the cozy fall season, this one-bowl banana bread is the ultimate go-to recipe for a sweet and simple treat.

Whether you're new to baking or just looking for a no-fail way to use up brown bananas, this banana bread has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Bread

Beginner-Friendly: No stand mixer needed—just a bowl, a fork, and a loaf pan.
Waste-Free: The perfect way to use up 4–5 overripe bananas.
Fall Favorite: Warm, comforting, and perfect with coffee or tea.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or swirl in some cinnamon.

What You’ll Need:

To whip up this delicious and easy banana bread, here’s what you’ll need:

3 ripe bananas – the riper, the better!
1/3 cup melted butter – for that rich, moist texture
3/4 cup sugar – or 1/2 cup for a less sweet version
1 egg, beaten – to bind everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet flavor
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bread rise perfectly
Pinch of salt – to balance the sweetness
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of your bread

Tools:

Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients, one for dry
Fork or potato masher – to mash the bananas
Whisk – for combining ingredients
9x5-inch loaf pan – for baking
Spatula – to scrape every last bit of batter into the pan
Toothpick – for testing doneness
Cooling rack – to cool the bread once baked

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s get baking!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

Use super ripe bananas: The browner, the better!
Don’t overmix once the flour is in—this keeps the bread tender.
Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Storage: Wrap in plastic or keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days—or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Slice it and freeze in individual portions. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely—just divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to dense banana bread. Stir just until combined for best results.

Perfect for Fall Baking

As the weather cools down, this banana bread is the perfect cozy treat to have on hand. Whether you're meal prepping, making a snack for your kids, or just craving something sweet with your coffee, this is one of those tried-and-true fall baking recipes you'll return to again and again.

Don’t Throw Out Those Bananas—Bake This Instead!

This recipe turns food waste into something delicious. Overripe bananas are gold when it comes to baking—full of natural sweetness and flavor. So next time you’re thinking of tossing them, remember: all you need is a bowl and a few pantry staples to make the best banana bread ever.