Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 60-65 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth with just a few small chunks remaining.

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir. Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough. If you are using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

  5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Best Loaf

  • The Banana Rule: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can bake them (in their skins) at 150°C for 15 minutes until they turn black; this caramelizes the sugars instantly.

  • Storage: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the second day!