Homey Cinnamon-Spiced Banana Bread Recipe for Beginners

Warm ovens and sweet aromas fill kitchens with comfort when baking a classic banana bread recipe that promises pure delight.

Overripe bananas transform from sad, forgotten fruit to a delectable treat bursting with rich flavor.

Moist, tender crumbs promise a delightful experience that elevates simple ingredients into something magical.

Every slice carries memories of cozy mornings and nostalgic baking moments.

The perfect blend of soft bananas, fragrant spices, and tender texture makes this recipe a household favorite.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this delicious treat with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Prepare to savor each heavenly bite of this irresistible banana bread that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Banana Bread Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bananas: Ripe, overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Flour: The primary structure and base of the banana bread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the bread.

• Sour Milk, Vegetable Oil: Add moisture and help create a tender texture in the bread.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the bread rise and enhance the overall flavor.

• Walnuts, Raisins, Chocolate Chips: Provide extra texture and flavor to the banana bread.

How to Bake Basic Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F.

Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.

Lightly spray the pan’s corners with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Whisk eggs and sour milk together in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes foamy and light.

Step 3: Create Banana Base

Grab a fork and mash bananas in a separate bowl.

Leave some small chunks for interesting texture or mash completely for a smoother consistency.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Mashed bananas
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Flour
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil

Stir ingredients until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins

• Walnuts
• Raisins
• Chocolate chips

Skip this step for classic banana bread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake for approximately one hour.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the final 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes.

Use parchment paper handles to transfer to a cooling rack.

Let bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Baking Banana Bread Just Right

• Choose overripe bananas with brown or black spots for deeper, sweeter taste that enhances the banana bread's richness.
• Stir ingredients just until combined to avoid tough, dense texture that can result from overmixing the batter.
• Use sour milk or buttermilk to add extra tenderness and create a softer crumb in your banana bread.
• Incorporate chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or dark chocolate chips to add nutritional value and exciting texture to your bread.
• Loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even baking and preventing burnt edges.

Storing and Warming Banana Bread

• Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the entire cooled banana bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. This allows you to grab and thaw single portions as needed.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast in a toaster oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and warm. Add a pat of butter for extra deliciousness.

What Goes Well with Banana Bread

• Pair with Rich Coffee Blend: A robust dark roast or smooth medium roast coffee complements the sweet banana bread, cutting through its richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a dollop of honey-infused mascarpone or cream cheese spread, which adds a luxurious, tangy dimension to each warm slice.
• Elevate with Nutty Beverage: Choose a hazelnut latte or almond milk chai that echoes the potential walnut mix-ins, creating a harmonious taste experience with complementary nutty undertones.
• Suggest Sweet Wine Pairing: Select a dessert wine like moscato or late harvest riesling, whose gentle sweetness beautifully matches the banana bread's caramelized notes without overwhelming its delicate texture.

Banana Bread Style Options

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Swap eggs with flax eggs or mashed banana. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and plant-based milk for sour milk. Add maple syrup as a potential sweetener replacement.
• Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Reduce sugar quantity and use ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener as alternative sugar options. Consider adding cinnamon for extra flavor complexity.
• Protein-Packed Banana Bread: Mix in protein powder or add chopped nuts like almonds and walnuts. Include chia seeds or hemp seeds for additional protein boost. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour milk to increase protein content.

FAQs

• Why use sour milk in this banana bread recipe?

Sour milk adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda, creating a lighter, more tender crumb by breaking down gluten proteins and providing extra acidity.

• Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. They’re sweeter, softer, and mash more easily, giving your bread deeper flavor and natural sweetness.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your banana bread tough and dense instead of soft and tender.

• What's the purpose of not opening the oven during baking?

Opening the oven can cause temperature fluctuations that disrupt the bread’s rising process and potentially lead to a sunken or unevenly baked loaf, so it’s best to resist peeking until near the end of baking.

Why This Banana Bread Is Always a Hit

• This banana bread recipe is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal baking skills and basic kitchen tools. Simple steps and straightforward instructions make it a foolproof choice for novice bakers.
• Flexible mix-ins like walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips allow personal creativity, transforming the classic banana bread into a unique treat that suits individual taste preferences.
• Brilliantly repurposes brown, spotted bananas that might otherwise be thrown away, reducing food waste while creating a delicious, moist bread packed with natural sweetness.
• Universally appealing to all ages, this recipe offers a wholesome snack or breakfast option that can be enjoyed together, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings and weekend mornings.

Banana Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade banana bread elevates simple ingredients into a comforting classic that warms hearts and kitchens. Moist, fragrant slices deliver sweet nostalgia with each tender crumb, inviting you to savor a slice of pure, delightful comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup walnuts (or other tree nuts)

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons sour milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325°F and ready the loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat the pan’s corners with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk eggs and sour milk together in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes frothy and well-combined.
3. Mash ripe bananas in a separate bowl, leaving some small chunks for added texture and rustic appeal.
4. Combine mashed bananas, salt, baking powder, baking soda, flour, sugar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir ingredients gently until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain bread’s tender consistency.
5. Gently fold optional mix-ins like walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 60 minutes. Monitor the bread’s surface; if browning occurs too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Remove bread from oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Use parchment paper edges to lift the loaf onto a cooling rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to ensure optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Achieving the perfect banana bread texture relies on not overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf.
• For extra moisture, use overripe bananas with brown or black spots, as they’re sweeter and provide more intense banana flavor.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding seeds, nuts, or incorporating whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version of the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg