Easy Banana Bread

When you want a traditional banana bread without all the bells and whistles, our easy banana bread is the way to go. This simple, unfussy banana bread recipe produces a gorgeously fluffy and tender loaf with the classic banana bread flavor that everyone wants. Once you master this recipe, you can tackle almost any banana bread recipe!

Easy Banana Bread Ingredients

• Shortening: We prefer shortening for our quick bread recipes. It keeps the banana bread soft even days after baking.
• Eggs: Make sure to use room-temperature eggs for this recipe.
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour strikes a good balance of just enough structure and just enough tenderness. It’s perfect in quick breads.
• Bananas: Trying to do the math on how many bananas are in a cup of mashed bananas? No worries, it’s about two ripe bananas.

Directions

Step 1: Beat together the shortening mixture

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Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs just until combined.

Step 2: Combine the flour mixture

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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Step 3: Create the batter

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Add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture alternately with the bananas, beating well after each addition.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overmix here, or you run the risk of dense bread. Stir the batter just until everything is combined. There should still be a few little lumps in there!

Step 4: Bake

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Pour the batter into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool the loaf at room temperature in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the loaf from the pan, and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.

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Recipe Variations

• Toss in chocolate: Got some leftover chocolate chips in your pantry? Toss a handful or two into the batter for a rich indulgence. Bananas and chocolate are a deliciously rich combo!
• Splash in extract: Give this easy banana bread recipe a flavor boost! Vanilla, almond or rum extract would complement the ingredients perfectly.
• Sprinkle in nuts: Macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans would add a lovely nutty crunch to our easy banana bread.

How to Store Easy Banana Bread

To store this banana bread, allow the loaf to cool completely to room temperature. Place the loaf in an airtight container, or wrap it tightly in storage wrap and aluminum foil. Store the bread at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to one week.

Can you freeze easy banana bread?

Yes, you can freeze this bread! Let it cool completely to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container (or wrap the loaf in foil, and place it in a resealable bag). Store in the freezer for up to four months. To thaw, place the loaf in the fridge overnight, or let it come to room temperature on the counter for about two hours.

Easy Banana Bread Tips

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How can I ripen bananas quickly for easy banana bread?

There are a few ways to quickly ripen a banana. Depending on when you need them, you can have soft bananas in as little as 15 minutes!

What other pans can I bake this easy banana bread in?

If you want a bunch of mini loaves to pass out to friends and family, our baking pan conversions chart tells us that this easy banana bread recipe can be baked into two 5-3/4 x 3-inch mini loaf pans. Keep in mind, the mini loaf sizes won’t need as long to bake as the regular loaf size, so don’t venture too far from the oven!