Gingerbread Banana Bread That’s Soft, Spiced, and Cozy

Welcome back to my kitchen — Chef James here 👨‍🍳
If there’s one recipe that feels like home in American kitchens, it’s classic Banana Bread. It’s the kind of bake that doesn’t need a special occasion: overripe bananas on the counter are reason enough. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of versions, and this one remains my go-to — reliably moist, warmly sweet, and endlessly comforting.

This Banana Bread recipe is all about balance. It’s soft without being greasy, sweet without being overpowering, and sturdy enough to slice beautifully. I use the same moisture-control techniques I rely on in Honey Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread, which taught me how small ingredient adjustments can completely change texture.

What makes banana bread so beloved in the US is its flexibility. It works as breakfast, snack, or dessert. You can dress it up for brunch or keep it simple for busy mornings. And if you’re building a dessert table, it pairs wonderfully with something effortless like Easy No-Bake Dessert Everyone Will Love.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — and maybe even pass down.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread

• Super moist, even days later
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for ripe bananas (no waste!)
• No mixer required
• Easy to customize with add-ins

🍌 Do you like your banana bread plain, or loaded with chocolate chips or nuts?

Ingredients Needed

• 3 very ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
  The riper, the better — brown spots mean more sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.
• ¾ cup brown sugar
  Brings moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
  Helps bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Enhances the natural banana flavor.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  The structure of the bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  Provides lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Balances sweetness.

👉 Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon.

How to Make Banana Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven
   Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the bananas
   In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth.
3. Add wet ingredients
   Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients
   Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt over the mixture. Gently fold just until combined.
5. Add extras (optional)
   Fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
6. Bake
   Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

👉 Chef James Tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

These same gentle-mixing rules are what keep cakes tender in recipes like Chocolate Orange Layer Cake — overmixing is the fastest way to dry bread.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Healthier version: Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt
• Fall-inspired: Add cinnamon and nutmeg (pairs beautifully with Classic Gingerbread Cookies Everyone Loves)
• Dessert-style: Serve warm with chocolate sauce, inspired by Chocolate Biscoff Tart With a Rich Chocolate Filling

🍞 Chef James’s favorite: Thick slice, lightly toasted, with salted butter.

Storage & Reheating

• Room temperature: Up to 3 days, wrapped tightly
• Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze up to 2 months

Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven for best texture.

For food safety best practices, always follow USDA guidelines: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

FAQs – Banana Bread

Why is my banana bread dry?
Too much flour or overbaking are common causes.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes — thaw completely and drain excess liquid.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can safely reduce to ½ cup.

Is banana bread breakfast or dessert?
Both! Like many recipes in Easy Pie Recipes Everyone Can Make, it’s flexible.

Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely — chocolate chips work perfectly.

How do I know it’s done?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.

What to Serve With Banana Bread

• Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake for a rich brunch spread
• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe for a tangy contrast
• Coffee, tea, or warm milk

Final Thoughts from Chef James

This Banana Bread is proof that simple recipes often bring the most comfort. It’s forgiving, reliable, and always welcome at the table. Bake it once, and it just might become your house classic.

👉 Try it and leave a comment — I’d love to know your favorite add-ins.

Print