Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Bread Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 29 min | Cook: 1 hr 7 min | Total: 1 hr 51 min
Cost: $2.60 total, $0.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (215 g, spooned and fluffed before measuring)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (If using fine‑grain salt, use 1/2 tsp)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 4 pieces Bananas (Overripe, baked on a sheet until blackened (10‑12 min))
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Room temperature, softened)
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Packed tightly, about 150 g)
- 2 large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Bake Overripe Bananas
Place the peeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake for 10‑12 minutes, until the skins are blackened and the fruit is soft like pudding.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl whisk together the flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Mash Baked Bananas
When the bananas are cool enough to handle, mash them in a large bowl until smooth, leaving a few small chunks if desired.
Time: PT3M
Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
Add the softened butter and packed brown sugar to a clean mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Time: PT5M
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack the eggs one at a time into the butter‑sugar mixture, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Mashed Bananas
Fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture until just combined.
Time: PT2M
Fold in Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the batter and gently fold with a spatula until the flour is just incorporated. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Loaf Pan
Lightly grease the 9×13 inch loaf pan with butter, or line with parchment paper.
Time: PT2M
Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake Banana Bread
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50‑60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the loaf springs back lightly.
Time: PT55M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour (use 1 1/2 cups)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table Salt (use 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Bananas: Frozen bananas (thawed)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Muscovado Sugar
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute (1/4 cup each)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean (½ pod)
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- 9×13 inch Loaf Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (optional)
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Baking bananas until soft and blackened
- Creaming butter and brown sugar until fluffy
- Folding dry ingredients gently to avoid over‑mixing
- Baking the loaf until a skewer comes out clean
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, toast the cinnamon in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the dry mix.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for texture variation.
- Use a kitchen scale for the flour to improve consistency; 215 g is the exact amount needed.
Troubleshooting
Bread is dense and heavy.
Make sure not to over‑mix the batter after adding the flour and ensure the bananas are fully baked and mashed to a smooth consistency.
Top cracks or browns too quickly.
Cover the loaf loosely with foil after the first 30‑35 minutes of baking.
Bread sticks to the pan.
Generously grease the pan and consider lining it with parchment paper for easy release.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Slice, wrap each piece in foil or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 2‑3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The banana bread stays fresh at room temperature for 2‑3 days; re‑heat slices in a toaster for a warm treat.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly; thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of banana bread in American cuisine?
Banana bread became popular in the United States during the 1930s Great Depression as a way to use over‑ripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. It later surged in popularity in the 1970s with the rise of quick breads and home baking trends.
What traditional regional variations of banana bread exist within American cuisine?
In the Southern United States, banana bread often includes pecans or walnuts and a hint of bourbon. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s common to add blueberries or maple syrup for a local twist.
How is banana bread traditionally served in American households?
Banana bread is typically sliced and served plain, toasted with butter, or paired with a spread of cream cheese. It’s a popular snack for coffee breaks, school lunches, and potluck gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is banana bread traditionally associated with in American culture?
Banana bread is a go‑to treat for casual gatherings, bake‑sales, and family brunches. It’s also a comforting food for holidays like Thanksgiving when families want to use up leftover bananas.
How does banana bread fit into the broader American quick‑bread tradition?
Banana bread is part of the American quick‑bread family, which includes muffins, scones, and coffee cakes. Like other quick breads, it relies on chemical leaveners (baking soda) rather than yeast, making it fast and easy to prepare.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for banana bread versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional banana bread uses all‑purpose flour, brown sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, ripe bananas, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Acceptable substitutes include whole‑wheat flour, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, or a vegan egg replacer, though texture may vary.
What other American dishes pair well with banana bread?
Banana bread pairs nicely with a cup of black coffee, hot tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
What makes this banana bread recipe from Preppy Kitchen special in American baking?
Preppy Kitchen’s version bakes the bananas first, creating a pudding‑like interior that adds extra moisture and caramelized flavor, resulting in a super‑soft crumb without the need for overly ripe bananas.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making banana bread from Preppy Kitchen?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter, using bananas that are not baked first (which can lead to a dry loaf), and under‑baking the loaf, which leaves a gummy center. Follow the folding technique and test with a skewer.
Why does this banana bread recipe use baked bananas instead of raw overripe bananas?
Baking the bananas concentrates their sugars and creates a soft, pudding‑like texture that integrates more evenly into the batter, giving the loaf a richer flavor and preventing large wet pockets that can make the crumb dense.
Can I make this banana bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the loaf can be baked a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or wrap individual slices and freeze for up to three months.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that focus on classic comfort foods with clear, step‑by‑step instructions and helpful kitchen hacks.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes practical tips for busy home cooks, such as using baked bananas to avoid waiting for ripeness, and often demonstrates how to involve kids in the cooking process, setting it apart from more technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
