Mom’s Banana Bread Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Updated On: October 18, 2025

Banana bread holds a special place in many hearts, and for me, nothing compares to mom’s banana bread recipe. This classic treat brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, the sweet aroma filling the entire house as it baked to golden perfection.

It’s more than just a loaf of bread—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and yields moist, flavorful banana bread every single time.

What makes this banana bread truly stand out is its perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s soft and tender with just the right hint of vanilla and cinnamon, making it the perfect snack or breakfast companion.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter. Ready to make some memories in your kitchen?

Let’s dive into mom’s beloved banana bread recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread recipe is a family favorite for many reasons. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

No need for fancy gadgets or hard-to-find items! The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread tender without the need for excessive sugar or butter.

It’s wonderfully versatile—you can enjoy it plain, or add your favorite mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence. The batter comes together quickly, so you can have fresh banana bread ready in under an hour.

Most importantly, the flavor is rich and comforting, a true classic that tastes like home.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining.
  3. Mix in the melted butter to the mashed bananas until fully combined.
  4. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir well to combine.
  5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then gently mix in.
  6. Add the flour last, stirring just until the flour disappears into the batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  7. If using, fold in the nuts or chocolate chips gently at this point.
  8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  11. Slice and enjoy! Banana bread tastes best once cooled slightly and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

“The key to the perfect banana bread is using very ripe bananas, almost black on the skin. The riper, the better!”

For a healthier twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also swap the sugar for coconut sugar or honey, but note that this may slightly change the texture and baking time.

Want to jazz it up? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.

Swirling in peanut butter or cream cheese before baking adds a luscious surprise. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Remember, banana bread freezes well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories 190
Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 30g
Sugars 17g
Protein 3g
Fiber 1g

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread is delightfully versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple treat.

For an indulgent breakfast, top slices with cream cheese or your favorite nut butter.

It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. Feeling adventurous?

Serve toasted slices topped with fresh fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome brunch option.

Conclusion

Mom’s banana bread recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table. Its simplicity, combined with rich flavor and moist texture, makes it a favorite for all ages.

Whether you bake it to use up overripe bananas or to share with loved ones during a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins and variations to make it your own. And remember, the best banana bread is the one baked with love—just like mom always did.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Mom's Banana Bread Recipe

Description: A moist and flavorful banana bread that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Easy to make with ripe bananas and simple ingredients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas.
  3. Stir melted butter into the mashed bananas.
  4. Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.
  6. Add flour last and stir until just combined.
  7. Pour batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let bread cool before slicing.

Nutrition: Calories: 230 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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