How to Make Banana Bread

How to Make Banana Bread is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 23 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 48 min

Cost: $5.02 total, $0.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, not melted)
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 medium Ripe Bananas (peeled, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups))
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 cup Milk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts (chopped)
  • 1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional, semi‑sweet)

Instructions

  1. Mash the bananas

    Peel three ripe bananas and place them in a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher (or fork) to mash until smooth with a few small lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine dry ingredients

    Add 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt to a separate bowl. Whisk vigorously for about one minute to break up any clumps.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Cream butter and sugar

    In the bowl with the mashed bananas, add 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Using a spatula, mash and stir until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate bananas

    Stir the mashed banana mixture into the butter‑sugar blend until fully combined. The batter may look a little grainy; keep mixing until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add eggs

    Crack one egg into the bowl, stir until incorporated, then add the second egg and repeat.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Flavor with vanilla and milk

    Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup milk until the batter is smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Add nuts and chocolate

    Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional).

    Time: PT1M

  8. Fold in dry ingredients

    Using a spatula, gently fold the whisked dry‑ingredient mixture into the batter until just barely combined. Stop when you still see a few specks of flour.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Transfer to loaf pan

    Lightly oil a 9x5‑inch loaf pan. Pour the batter in, then tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a bamboo skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT1H10M

    Temperature: 325°F

  11. Cool and unmold

    Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 15‑20 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto a wire rack, and let cool completely before slicing.

    Time: PT20M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
10g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Walnuts, Chocolate

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Banana Bread

Recipe by Food Wishes

A moist, flavorful banana bread packed with chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips. Chef John from Food Wishes shows how to make this easy, crowd‑pleasing loaf using simple pantry staples and a few optional add‑ins for extra richness.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
43m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.02
Total cost
$0.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mashing bananas to the right consistency
  • Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Folding in the flour mixture just until combined
  • Baking at the correct temperature and checking doneness with a skewer

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Make sure eggs are fresh; discard any that smell off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of banana bread in American cuisine?

A

Banana bread became popular in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II when overripe bananas were a way to avoid waste. It evolved into a classic comfort food, often served at brunches, coffee gatherings, and as a snack.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of banana bread in the United States?

A

In the South, banana bread often includes pecans or a streusel topping, while West Coast versions may add walnuts and dark chocolate chips like this recipe. Some New England bakers add a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is banana walnut chocolate bread traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically sliced and served warm or at room temperature, often with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs well with coffee or tea and is a staple at weekend brunches and holiday gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is banana walnut chocolate bread associated with in American culture?

A

Banana bread is a go‑to treat for family brunches, pot‑luck gatherings, and holiday breakfasts. It’s also a popular bake‑sale item for school fundraisers and community events because it stays moist and travels well.

cultural
Q

What makes banana walnut chocolate bread special or unique in American baking?

A

The combination of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and bittersweet chocolate chips creates a balance of sweet, nutty, and slightly bitter flavors, while the low‑temperature bake (325°F) keeps the crumb extra moist and tender.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for banana bread versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional banana bread uses all‑purpose flour, butter, granulated sugar, eggs, ripe bananas, baking soda, and salt. Acceptable substitutes include whole‑wheat flour, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, or dairy‑free milk, though texture may vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making banana walnut chocolate bread?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using under‑ripe bananas, and baking at too high a temperature which dries the crumb. Follow the folding technique and bake at 325°F for the full time to ensure a moist loaf.

technical
Q

Why does this banana walnut chocolate bread recipe use a low oven temperature of 325°F instead of the typical 350°F?

A

A lower temperature allows the bread to rise slowly, giving the bananas and butter time to meld without forming a dry crust. This results in a softer, more tender crumb and prevents the edges from over‑browning.

technical
Q

Can I make banana walnut chocolate bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the loaf can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly for refrigeration. For longer storage, slice and freeze the pieces; reheat briefly before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that blend humor with clear culinary techniques, covering a wide range of cuisines and comfort‑food classics.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes focuses on practical, home‑cookable methods with minimal equipment, often offering shortcuts and witty commentary. Chef John emphasizes flavor balance and technique without demanding professional tools, making classic dishes like banana bread accessible to beginners.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

My famous brown butter banana bread
13

My famous brown butter banana bread

A moist, nutty banana bread made with rich brown butter, sweet mashed bananas, and a generous amount of chocolate chips. This recipe follows Mallory's viral video, with a slower‑paced version for home cooks who want every detail.

1 hr 50 minServes 10$3
American
My famous brown butter chocolate chip banana bread
10

My famous brown butter chocolate chip banana bread

A moist, nutty banana bread packed with chocolate chips and a rich brown‑butter flavor. This recipe from Munchies By Mallory turns overripe bananas into a comforting breakfast or snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

1 hr 52 minServes 8$2
American
How to make Banana Bread😝
6

How to make Banana Bread😝

A simple, fool‑proof banana bread that stays ultra‑moist thanks to butter, oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and optional chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

1 hr 15 minServes 10$13
American
Banana Nut Bread 🍌
3

Banana Nut Bread 🍌

A moist, sweet banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This recipe follows the tips from thefirstyear, emphasizing the importance of using the correct loaf pan size (9×5 inches) to achieve the ideal bake time.

1 hr 30 minServes 8$2
American
How To Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Every Time
8

How To Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Every Time

A moist, tangy banana bread packed with melted chocolate chips and toasted walnuts. This quick‑bread recipe uses overripe bananas, full‑fat sour cream, and a simple folding technique to keep the crumb tender. Lined with parchment for easy lift‑out, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat.

1 hr 45 minServes 12$5
American
Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe: Perfect for Valentine’s Day Baking! 🍫🍌
3

Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe: Perfect for Valentine’s Day Baking! 🍫🍌

A rich, moist chocolate banana bread that's perfect for a holiday weekend breakfast. This quick‑bake recipe comes together in about an hour and yields a sweet, tender loaf that guests will love.

1 hrServes 8$4
American
BEST Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!
2

BEST Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!

A moist, tender banana bread packed with the nutty flavor of browned butter, the tang of Greek yogurt, and bursts of mini chocolate chips. This recipe, popularized by Butternut Bakery, ensures perfect texture by mashing and measuring bananas, adding an extra tablespoon of butter to compensate for water loss, and using mini chocolate chips that stay suspended in the batter.

1 hr 30 minServes 10$5
American
EASY Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
5

EASY Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

A soft, pillowy banana bread packed with chocolate chips. The bananas are first baked to intensify their flavor and create a perfect mushy texture, then folded into a buttery, lightly sweet batter. Ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a kid-friendly lunchbox treat.

1 hr 55 minServes 8$6
American