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This truly is the PERFECT banana bread. With an easy one-bowl and no-mixer recipe, it's super-moist and so flavorful! The beautiful, sweet, mahogany-hued crust is crisp and the crumb incredibly tender.
Remember the classic children's story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears? A family of bears came upon Goldilocks's house when no one was home. They seized the opportunity and invited themselves inside. The story tells how the bears decided to "test" the dining chairs in the house to see if any would be suitable for them. "Too big", "too small", "too hard", "too soft" and finally when got to the last chair (belonging to little Goldilocks), the verdict was... "Perfect!". That's exactly how I felt when experimenting with, what seemed like, a zillion banana bread recipes.
The "BEST" banana bread... not always the best
I tried banana bread recipes from Bon Appétit, King Arthur Flour, Food 52, All-Recipes and several other websites/blogs, all claiming to be "The BEST Banana Bread".
Most of them were good... but not great or (in my eyes) "perfect". And I was looking for that perfect recipe. What do I mean by "perfect"? Easy, moist, tender-crumbed, really attractive and, of course, incredibly delicious.
"Too dry", "too wet", "too ugly", "too pale", "too flat", "too complicated"... and on and on it went until I decided to take what I'd learned from the recipes and come up with my own rendition.
Butter or oil?
As I went along testing this recipe and that one, I realized there were a few things to consider. One of the first decisions was whether to use butter or oil in my recipe. Although I'm a huge butter fan for most cake and many quick bread recipes, I discovered that oil actually makes a moister and more delicious banana bread with a better texture. And with all the wonderful banana flavor, butter wasn't really necessary.
The texture of this banana bread is perfect... nice and moist with a super tender crumb. Check it out in the picture below!
How many bananas to use in banana bread?
The recipes I tried, varied widely in the number of bananas that were included. Some called for "2 small bananas", others as many as five or six. I wanted lots of banana flavor and I noticed that the recipes that called for more bananas yielded a moister bread. So I decided to go with 4 medium-size bananas.
How to mash the bananas for banana bread?
There were also lots of options for mashing the bananas in the recipes I tried.
- Mash them with a fork on a plate or cutting board.
- Mash them by squeezing them in a zip lock bag, then cut a hole in one corner and transfer the liquid banana mixture to the bowl.
- Mash the bananas right in the batter for chunky banana bread.
- Throw them in a blender.
- Use your hands to "squish" them.
- Use your mixer.
Since I wanted my recipe to be one-bowl, no-mixer I decided to mash them with a potato masher in my mixing bowl before adding any other ingredients. It works like a charm and doesn't dirty any extra plates, bowls or equipment. A fork would also work although it's a bit more work.
How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?
The riper (and uglier) the better! King Arthur Flour (the expert in all things to do with baking) says, "The best bananas for banana bread aren't yellow; they're black. Or they're at least streaked with black/brown, with just the barest hint of green at the stem. And again, the darker the better: there’s no such thing as a too-ripe banana when you’re making banana bread."
I agree because, as bananas ripen, their starch is converted to sugar. So the riper the banana, the sweeter it becomes. That being said, I've made some delicious banana bread with more yellow bananas, providing they have lots of nice brown sugar spots. As long as your bananas have some brown spots and are no longer green, they will work well for banana bread.
How to speed up the ripening of bananas
If your bananas aren't quite ripe enough, placing them overnight in a closed paper grocery bag will speed up the ripening. The bag will trap the ethylene that bananas release and enhance the ripening process.
One large or three small loaves
I love that this recipe can make either one nice large loaf in an 8x5-inch pan or 3 smaller loaves (3x6-inch). Both sizes freeze well and the smaller ones are perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, etc.
How to store banana bread?
Banana bread keeps well for several days at room temperature. Wrap it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place in a plastic bag, squeeze out any extra air and freeze. Thaw before serving.
Once you try this Perfect Banana Bread, I think you will find yourself searching the banana display at the grocery store for those spotted bananas or buying an extra-large bunch so you'll be sure to have enough left over to make this delicious treat.
Hungry taste testers
We had some workers from a local nursery doing some planting in our yard while I was testing this recipe. I put out a platter of sliced bread and a pitcher of cold milk. The oohs and aahs, as they devoured the bread, were prolific. They all declared this to be "the BEST banana bread" they had ever tried. Neighbors and friends who participated in the taste-testing had the same response!
So, like Goldilocks in The Three Bears story, you can definitely stop searching for that "perfect" banana bread recipe. It's here! Cheers!
Café Tips for making this Perfect Banana Bread
- This recipe calls for an 8x5-inch pan. If your pan is larger (9x5), it's fine. The finished loaf won't be quite as tall.
- As mentioned above, I like to use a potato masher to prepare my bananas for this recipe. I mash them right in my mixing bowl, before adding any of the other ingredients. If you don't have a potato masher, a fork will also work. It will just take a bit longer.
- If you have ripe bananas and you're not ready to make banana bread, throw them in a zip lock bag and store them in the freezer. When ready to bake, simply let the bananas thaw for 15-20 minutes, then squeeze the bag to remove any large lumps. Cut a little snip from one corner of the bag and simply squeeze the soft bananas into your mixing bowl.
- I like to use a whisk for steps 1- 3 followed by a rubber or silicone spatula to stir in the dry ingredients.
- This recipe calls for plain Greek yogurt. I like full-fat Fage yogurt, but you can use low-fat Greek yogurt if desired.
- No yogurt? No problem. You can also use buttermilk, regular plain yogurt or sour cream in lieu of the yogurt.
- I really like checking the doneness of my cakes and other baked goods with an instant thermometer. Instant thermometers are not expensive and they help avoid over or undercooking. The finished temperature for banana bread is 200-205˚F.
- This banana bread also makes a wonderful dessert! I like to cut it into thick slices and warm it slightly (10 seconds in the microwave). I top it with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce. We call this dessert is Banana Heaven!
Thought for the day:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall;
but those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will SOAR on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
What we've been listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear other’s results and ideas for variations.
- 4 mashed very ripe medium-sized bananas about 2 cups
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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Preheat the oven to 350˚F with a rack in the center. Spray an 8x5-inch or 9x5-inch loaf pan (or 3x6-inch pans) generously with baking spray. Set aside.
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Peel bananas and place them in a medium-large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash bananas until fairly smooth.
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Add both sugars and the oil and whisk well to combine. Whisk in the eggs until well combined followed by the yogurt and vanilla.
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Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the top and stir until combined. Add the flour and stir just until all flour is incorporated.
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Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and place it on a sheet pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean and without batter. You can also use an instant thermometer to determine if the bread is done. The temperature of the finished bread should be 200-205˚F.
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If using the smaller pans (3x5 or 3x6) bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or internal temperature is 200-205˚F).
See Café Tips above in the post for further instructions and detailed tips.
Baking times can vary, depending on your oven, pan, altitude, etc. It's really best to test doneness with an instant thermometer. Quick breads like this are done when the temperature reaches 200-205˚F or 94-96˚C.
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Les Weeks says
Hi,
I'm a first time visitor.
Was searching for a Cafe style banana bread and fell into your site. The comments are really encouraging and so I'm eager to give it a try. I have to be very careful about sugar and generally use a Stevia alternative. Do you think the recipe will still work if I replace the sugars with the Stevia alternative? I appreciate that I'll lose the colour of the brown sugar, but that's not too important.
Les in Australia
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Wes, all they way to Australia! I honestly don't have experience baking with Stevia so I can't say how this will turn out with the substitute sugar.
Erin Carlson says
Just a note the in the recipe you suggest using an 8x5 pan but in your comments you state that you use a 9x5 pan
I had my loaf in the oven and started scrolling through the comments when I came upon that, so I quickly whipped it out and moved the batter to the bigger pan. I think it'll be fine as I caught it early and you have great recipes. Just wanted to call your attention to that.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Erin, you can use either size pan. If you use an 8x5 the loaf will be a little taller than with a 9x5 pan.
Linda Aronson says
Thank you for your easy to make cake recipes that do not require use of an electric mixer. I have made your lemon ricotta cake many times to rave reviews. I have also made your "perfect banana bread," and it is indeed perfect. The only change is using buttermilk instead of yogurt. (your suggestion.) It is now part of my limited baking repetoire of easy cake recipes --no mixer required.
Linda A.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Wonderful! Thank you for your review, Linda!
Helly says
Hi,
I regularly make your tortilla recipe and now I’m about to attempt this with a bunch of over ripe bananas demanding it. However, I don’t want to use oil. I know it retains moisture in the cake but I’d really rather use butter. Have you tried this and can you give me the amount I can sub?
Many thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Helly, I would use the same amount of butter.
However, I am a huge fan of butter but in this recipe, oil works much better. And there is no lack of flavor.
Randy says
I think I’m going to have to break up with my current banana bread recipe because this one is amazing.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Ha! Thanks, Randy!
Colleen says
We're loving your recipes, including this one. Your accompanying scriptures just gladden my heart and uplift my spirit. You're my new favorite!
Chris Scheuer says
Aww, thanks so much, Colleen! 🥰
Bonnie McEachren says
I made your banana bread recipe yesterday to take for a cottage holiday and it turned out perfect.
I added walnuts to the recipe and it is wonderful.
I am so sorry for the two gentlemen commenting with unnecessary thoughts, as you say. ‘Kindness makes the world a better place for all of us.’
Your recipes are some of my best and I thank you Chris!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for the kind and encouraging comment, Bonnie!
Cathy says
Hi Chris. Before trying this recipe, I would like to know if it is a light fluffy bread or a dense bread. Also, what size eggs do you use?
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Hi Cathy, it's dense, like a quick bread. We use large eggs.
Diane Cothran says
Thank you, Chris, for this delicious recipe. So flavorful and easy to make. I've used several other banana bread recipes in the past, but like all your recipes, this turned out perfectly as written! You are the best!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for the kind comment, Diane! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Lori says
I've finally found the BEST banana bread recipe out there. Too many times I've made "The Best Banana Bread" recipes and it was not the best banana bread. THIS recipe, indeed is the best banana bread! I followed the recipe to a T the first time. Excellent. Second time, I ran out of oil and subbed for coconut oil, still excellent. One time I've made it only with 3 bananas. Still good! A winner for sure! This is going into my binder of recipes I'm saving for my daughter. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's awesome, Lori! Thank you for letting us know!
Virginia L Frazier says
Will self rising flour work with thus recipe? Would like to make, with the flour I already have.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Virginia, this recipe was developed with all-purpose flour. I would stick with that to ensure success as the proportions will be different with self-rising flour.
Jessica P says
I'm trying this recipe very soon and will update my comment accordingly. As for those being blatantly rude please don't. This was the one time I actually cared to read before getting to the recipe!! Most times I hate doing that. So thank you so much. One question though, my rack is on the middle of the oven, is that a good placement for the bread? Can't wait to try this. My boyfriend needs his spirits lifted. So I want to make this for him.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Jessica!
Regarding your question, the middle of the oven is perfect for your rack.
I know your boyfriend will be encouraged by your kind efforts to make him something delicious 🥰
Jessica P says
He was! I finally made the banana bread last night and it was my first time! It went better than I thought! I used the sour cream because I was out of yogurt. Added the cinnamon. Added Some walnuts to mine. 1 cup or more with some mixed in and the rest added on top of the batter but spooned some batter over the nuts just to see how it would turn out. My bananas were at the first stage of ripening. Green tips but the banana was yellow and had some light browning. Only had 3 bananas and he still liked it! But will use 4 next time I try it. Used Canola oil for mine but vegetables can be used as well. The rest of the recipe was not changed. If you don't mind your banana bread being less sweet this bread came out perfect still! Left overnight sealed with paper towels and that let's the sugars settle more. It was delicious heated in the microwave 30 seconds but still good room temp. Id add chocolate chips or raisins to this batter if you only have 3 good bananas or you're bananas arent over ripe, to make up for the bananas sweetness. You could add anything next to this or on it for the less sweet banana breads. Thank you so much I will be making this again!
Chris Scheuer says
So happy you enjoyed this banana bread, Jessica! You will find that the riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread! Thanks for sharing your review! 🥰
Jessica P says
Of course! I will keep this recipe on file for family definitely. It was just 5 years ago or so that I was very sick with Gastroparesis and almost didn’t make it. I couldn’t eat anything but cereal that was soggy for 2 years. I was able to eat one day after many hospital visits and heartache. And though I deal with pains daily I can eat again. That’s when I met my boyfriend. Before that I never believed I would eat again. I have a new love for food I never thought I would have. I appreciate everyday every meal. I’m glad I got to taste this. My boyfriend was DANCING while eating this even though I only had 3 good bananas. He’s very picky with dessert. So thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Chris Scheuer says
Wow, what a story you have, Jessica! We tend to take so much for granted. Thanks for reminding all of us what a gift it is for our intricate bodies to function normally. So happy you are doing better and it sounds like your boyfriend is a gift from God!
Jessicaessica R Pittington says
You just made my day! Thank
you. I've been through too much
One last question though. Unless it's in your descriptions. Can I use light or dark brown sugar? I used brown last time but not sure what you used!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
You can use either, Jessica!
Pat says
Does this recipe work for muffins?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, that should be fine, Pat.
Stuart Brigham says
OMG! What a load of unnecessary sentences and paragraphs! Couldn’t you just talked about the recipe ingredients and steps straightforward?? Jeez!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for your comment, Stuart. Kindness does make the world a better place for all of us.
Just so you know, there is a "Jump to the Recipe" button at the top of every post so you don't have to read anything except the recipe. Hope you enjoy the banana bread, as you can read from the comments, it is super delish!
Barry says
What a pain in the ass to get to the recipe and baking instructions. You have to scroll through an endless amount of unnecessary verbiage and click adds. I persevered and admit that the banana bread was easy to make, moist, and exceptional tasting.
Chris Scheuer says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe, Barry!
Just so you know, there's a "JUMP TO THE RECIPE" button at the top of every post so no scrolling is ever necessary (although lots of our readers enjoy reading the post and tips. By the way, the ads are the way we're able to offer well-tested recipes to our readers for free.
Also, kindness makes the world a better place for all of us.
Tammy says
So yummy! The brown sugar really brings it to another flavor level, and love the warm color! Mine took 1.10 minutes to bake. What pan do you use? My top didn’t rise as much, so I’m thinking it was my pan element. Another winner, thx Chris for all your inspiration! 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
HI Tammy, So happy you enjoyed it.
Regarding your question, I use a 9x5 bread pan.
Jessica P says
I only had 3 bananas and mine was perfect at 48-55 min. 50 might've been good too or 45! Mine rose very well. I had my rack in the very middle of the oven. With the loaf pan On a big sheet pan. I don't know if the amount of bananas affects the baking time though. But it was delicious! If no other recipe works I'm keeping this one to use for friends and family ❤️