Description
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Banana Bread is a classic homemade treat with an exceptionally soft, tender crumb and rich banana flavor. Made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and real butter, this loaf bakes up moist and flavorful every time. Each slice is lightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and so soft it practically melts on your tongue.
This easy banana bread recipe is ideal for breakfast, snacking, or dessert and fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma as it bakes.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This banana bread recipe is perfect for:
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Home bakers of all skill levels
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Families looking for a soft, comforting homemade treat
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Anyone with ripe bananas to use up
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Coffee or tea lovers who enjoy baked snacks
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Meal preppers who want a freezer-friendly baked good
Why It’s Great
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Ultra-moist texture: Butter and ripe bananas keep it soft for days
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Warm spice flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg add depth without overpowering
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Simple ingredients: Pantry staples, no special equipment needed
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Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a sweet glaze
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Reliable results: Foolproof recipe with consistent texture
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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9 × 5-inch loaf pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Fold in Nuts (Optional)
If using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Optional Glaze
For a sweeter finish, whisk together powdered sugar, a small amount of milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the fully cooled loaf.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store wrapped for up to 3 days
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
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Reheating: Warm slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven
FAQ
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots work best for sweetness and moisture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly reducing the sugar is possible, but it may affect texture.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make banana bread dense instead of soft.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely—omit them with no changes needed.
Conclusion
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that delivers unbeatable softness, rich banana flavor, and comforting warmth in every slice. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect way to turn ripe bananas into a bakery-quality loaf your family will request again and again.
