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Banana Bread Easy Recipe That Tastes Like Childhood in Every Bite

You know those days when life feels a bit off and you just want something familiar? This banana bread easy recipe is my go-to for a little cozy comfort. I swear, it smells like hugs from the oven. And the best part? It’s not fussy. You don’t need a mixer, fancy ingredients, or a culinary degree—just a bowl, a spoon, and a few overly spotty bananas that were moments away from compost. We’ve all been there. I’ve played around with dozens of variations over the years, but this one is the sweet spot. It’s soft and flavorful, the kind that makes neighbors wander over when it’s cooling on the windowsill. There’s something wholesome about how it holds together—moist (in the best way), lightly sweet, and with a texture that dances between cakey and tender. Whether you’re baking with kids, stashing slices for the week, or sneaking warm chunks straight from the pan, this quick and easy banana bread recipe is a quiet little victory for your day.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread easy recipe, banana bread recipe easy quick, banana dessert recipes easy quick healthy, easy banana bread recipe for kids, easy banana bread recipe with milk, healthy dessert recipes easy quick banana bread, quick and easy banana bread recipes
Servings: 10 slices
Author: Elena

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan—or line it with parchment paper if you're into easy cleanups.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Use a spoon, not a whisk—trust me on this one.
  3. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Stir until it looks like something you’d trust.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until everything is just combined. No need to overwork it.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Scrape the bowl clean—licking the spoon is optional but highly encouraged.
  6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top has a golden brown crust that gently cracks when tapped.
  7. Let it cool for a bit in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Or just slice it warm and call it a win.

Notes

Want to jazz it up? Toss in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts. Need it dairy-free? Use oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular. This bread plays well with substitutions.