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Best Banana Bread Recipes

By Munch Munch Yum · This post may contain affiliate links, marked with *

Lots of excellent takes on banana bread recipes to try. The sweetness and moistness of banana makes these banana breads so satisfying!

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collage of easy banana bread recipes.
via Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons  |  Ambitious Kitchen  |  Nourishing Amy

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Jump to:
  • Recommended products & ingredients
  • Banana Bread Tips and FAQs
  • Banana Bread Recipes
  • Conclusion
  • More Recipes to Try

Recommended products & ingredients

  • A typical loaf pan* to make yummy banana bread
  • Favorite type of nut* for flavor and texture
  • An easy way to add protein* on top

Banana Bread Tips and FAQs

Below are answers to the most common questions about making banana bread, including the ripeness of bananas to use for baking, when to slice and cover the bread, and how to store properly.

How old should bananas be for bread?

For the best tasting banana bread, you’ll want to use bananas that are overripe beyond the point that you would eat them plain. Wait for the skins to get very spotted or even totally brown before using them for your bread. The bananas should give off a very strong, delicious banana smell by then!

Why use ripe bananas for bread?

The starch in a banana will convert to sugar as it ripens, which is why riper bananas taste sweeter and softer. If you wait until the peels are heavily spotted or have turned totally brown/black, the banana flavor will be stronger, and the softer banana will also be easier to handle.

Can ripe bananas be too ripe for banana bread?

Using bananas that are super ripe are actually preferable when it comes to making banana bread. The more ripe a banana is, the more sugar content it has and the easier it is to mash. Even if the banana’s skin has gone fully black, it can still be perfectly safe to eat and use for making banana bread.

Keep in mind, though, that it is possible for bananas to go bad, so always double check them for signs of spoilage before using them. Here are some signs to look for that your bananas have gone bad:

  • Mold
  • Fruit flies
  • Fermented, alcohol-like smell
  • Oozing liquid

If you are unsure, it is better to play it safe and toss the bananas.

How do you ripen bananas for banana bread overnight?

Heat makes bananas ripen faster, so cooking them can drastically speed up the ripening process. Keep in mind that these methods work best with bananas that are already somewhat ripe, as opposed to bananas that are still green or very underripe. If you cook underripe bananas, the texture will be right but they still might not be sweet enough to make good banana bread.

Using the oven:
  • Step 1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
  • Step 2. Remove all produce stickers, and lay out the unpeeled bananas on aluminum foil or parchment paper with some space in between each.
  • Step 3. Bake for 8 minutes.
  • Step 4. Flip bananas over to their other side, then bake for 7 more minutes or until peels turn completely black and fruit becomes very soft. Depending on the size of the bananas, this step might actually take longer than 7 minutes.
  • Step 5. Remove bananas and let cool before use.
Using an air fryer:
  • Step 1. Line your air fryer basket with a basket liner, parchment paper, or aluminum foil.
  • Step 2. Remove all produce stickers, and lay out the unpeeled bananas with some space in between each.
  • Step 3. Set to 300 degrees and bake for 8-10 minutes or until peels turn completely black.
  • Step 4. Remove bananas and let cool before use.
Using a microwave:
  • Step 1. Peel the bananas.
  • Step 2. Place a banana in a microwave-safe container and heat for 30 seconds.
  • Step 3. If the banana does not feel soft to the touch, heat for another 30 seconds and repeat until bananas are soft.
  • Step 4. Repeat steps 1-3 with each banana.
  • Step 5. Let bananas cool before use.

If you aren’t in a rush to ripen the bananas overnight, here are some other ways to cut down the ripening time needed by at least a few days:

Store in a paper bag:
Place the bananas in a brown paper bag and fold over the top. Most types of produce, including bananas, release gasses that will speed up the ripening process. You can accelerate the process even more by adding other ripe fruits in the bag to build up the gasses faster (but that can also speed up the ripening of those other fruits too).

Store in a warmer area:
Keep the bananas in direct sunlight, or near something that gives off heat (such as on top of a refrigerator or near a heating vent).

loaf of banana bread in basket with one slice cut apart and open side facing out.

How long do you wait to take banana bread out of pan?

Once you have taken your bread pan out of the oven, leave the bread in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. This allows the bread to firm up a bit, which helps the bread stay intact when you are ready to take it out of the pan.

How long to wait before slicing banana bread?

After taking your banana bread out of the oven, let it sit in the pan for 15 minutes to solidify a little. This makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan without it falling apart. But don’t leave it in there too much longer than that, otherwise the bottom will get soggy.

After those first 15 minutes, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool to room temperature (usually about 15-20 minutes) before slicing or storing.

Should you keep banana bread in fridge or pantry?

The best way to store bread is actually in the freezer, where it will usually keep for at least 3 months.

Banana bread is very moist, which makes it prone to molding if kept out at room temperature. You can only store banana bread in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days, but there is a greater risk that it will dry out compared to if you store it in the freezer.

Whether you decide to keep your banana bread in the fridge or the freezer, make sure it is tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.

How do you keep banana bread fresh and moist?

Banana breads (and any other quick bread) tends to mold faster than other breads due to the high moisture content. To extend the shelf life, wrap in saran wrap and refrigerate (for up to 7-10 days) or freeze (for up to 3 months).

Should I cover banana bread after baking?

Wait for the bread to cool to room temperature before wrapping it in plastic wrap or putting it in a separate container. This allows the bread to firm up a bit (which also makes it easier to slice) and reduces the amount of condensation (which can lead to mold).

What is best to wrap banana bread?

It is best to wrap banana bread in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a second layer of aluminum wrap. This will help keep the bread from drying out or getting freezer burn.

Banana Bread Recipes

Moist

You can choose to add or leave out raisins and toasted walnuts to this recipe. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

Easy [3 Ingredients]

This one-bowl recipe doesn’t use cake mix, eggs, butter, or oil. Use coconut condensed milk to make dairy-free. (via The Big Man’s World)

Healthy

This protein-packed banana bread uses oats, chia seeds, protein powder, sliced almonds, and applesauce. (via Vegan Chickpea)

Peanut Butter

You get twice the peanut butter in the bread and the fluffy frosting. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Black Sesame

The nuttiness of the black sesame is offset with a beautiful caramelized brown butter. (via Justine Snacks)

Strawberry

A lovely combination of strawberry with banana and a cream cheese swirl. (via Domestically Blissful)

Blueberry

Notes of coconut are throughout this recipe with the use of coconut oil, milk, and flakes in this recipe. (via The Crumby Kitchen)

Gingerbread

A pumpkin spiced bread with tahini. (via Dishing Out Health)

Cheesecake

Banana bread as the crust to vanilla cheesecake topped with caramel sauce? Umm, YES. (via Kitchen Fun with My 2 Sons)

Nutella

This recipe with sour cream is stuffed with everybody’s favorite hazelnut spread. (via A Spoonful of Vanilla)

Buttermilk

This recipe packs extra protein with chia seeds. (via The Asian Parent)

Avocado

This one’s got butterscotch! (via Love One Today)

Chai Tea

Top this bread with a maple glaze. (via Sunshine and Hurricanes)

White Chocolate

Paired with macadamia nuts. (via Elyse Creates)

Lemon [Vegan]

The bread oozes with lemon curd and buttercream, and drips with passionfruit. (via Nourishing Amy)

Pumpkin

A fall-spiced bread with ginger streusel. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Apple

A small batch recipe that calls for only one banana. Topped with a cinnamon spice caramel icing. (via Butter and Bliss)

Pineapple and Mango

A fluffy tropical delight. (via Mostly Homemade Mom)

Cranberry

A nice holiday treat with walnuts and crumbly top. (via Baker’s Table)

Orange

This zesty loaf includes sunflower or olive oil, and optional granola or seeds. (via Nourishing Amy)

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Conclusion

Make any of these yummy banana bread recipes that will have you coming back for more.

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