The Best Banana Bread Recipe (easy, no mixer)

If you're looking for the best banana bread recipe, you've come to the right place. This is a recipe I've been making for years that I'm finally sharing with the world, and it makes perfect banana bread every time. This easy, no mixer recipe is one that everyone will ask for over and over again.

Here are the ingredients you need to make banana bread

I love making banana bread. It's quick and easy and you can throw pretty much whatever you want in it. Here are the ingredients typically needed to make it.

Ripe bananas: Ripe bananas that are soft and have brown spots are ideal for banana bread as they provide sweetness and flavor.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moistness to the bread.

Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the bread and enhances the flavor of the bananas.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and moisture to the bread.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the bread.

All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base ingredient and provides structure to the bread.

Baking soda: Baking soda helps the bread rise by producing carbon dioxide when mixed with acidic ingredients like bananas.

Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

How to make banana bread without a mixer

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Butter a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then fold in the mashed bananas and extracts until combined.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients along with optional add-ins and mix just until combined. Do not overmix!

4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan or 20 minutes for muffins, until golden brown on top and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool completely before serving.

Here are some popular banana bread add-ins:

Chocolate chips: Adding chocolate chips to banana bread can make for a deliciously sweet treat. You can use milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.

Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your banana bread a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can be included to add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can sprinkle spices on top of the batter or mix it into the dry ingredients.

Nutella: Swirling Nutella into the batter can make your banana bread richer and more flavorful.

Blueberries: Adding blueberries to banana bread can create a delightful burst of tangy sweetness.

Cream cheese: Mixing cream cheese into your banana bread batter can give it a creamy texture and add a tangy flavor.

Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes can add texture and a tropical flavor to banana bread.

Remember, ripe bananas are key, and you can get creative with add-ins. This is a banana bread recipe that I have perfected over the years, and I hope you enjoy it!