Banana Bread with Soft Crumb

Name: Banana Bread with Soft Crumb
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This banana bread recipe yields a deliciously moist loaf with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack!

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-12-31T14:22:13.871Z

Banana bread is a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of home and warmth. This recipe has been perfected over the years to ensure a soft, tender crumb that everyone will love.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor that's perfectly balanced
Soft and tender crumb that’s easy to slice
Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

The Perfect Banana Bread Experience

Banana bread is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a comforting treat that evokes memories of home and warmth. The rich aroma of baking bananas fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. With every slice, you are rewarded with a soft, moist crumb that speaks to the heart of this beloved classic. This recipe captures the essence of banana bread, ensuring that it remains a staple in your baking repertoire.

What sets this banana bread apart is its perfect balance of flavors. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness while the melted butter adds richness. With just the right amount of sugar, the loaf isn’t overly sweet, allowing the banana flavor to shine through. Each bite is an experience in taste and texture, making it a delightful addition to any meal or snack time.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the ideal banana bread, start with perfectly ripe bananas. Look for those with brown spots on their skin, as they offer the best flavor and sweetness. If you find yourself short on time, you can speed up the ripening process by placing bananas in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps ethylene gas, helping them ripen faster.

Another key to a successful loaf is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, which is not what we want. Remember, a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking process.

Ingredients

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

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan before starting.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in the melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Finally, fold in the flour until just incorporated.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes, simply thawing it at room temperature or warming it in the microwave.

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Enjoy it plain, spread with a pat of butter, or topped with a dollop of cream cheese for a decadent twist. For an extra touch, consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter before baking.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or pineapple to the batter. If you prefer a nutty flavor, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and crunch. Chocolate lovers can indulge by mixing in chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, sweet surprise.

You can also create a healthier version by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. This way, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I enhance the flavor?

Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your banana bread a delightful spice.