Hi friends — I greet you this weekend with some comforting and easy-to-bake Easy Everyday Banana Bread! I have had the strong desire this year to make recipes that are ‘everyday’ or ‘classics’.
To me, this includes recipes that I hope will become your favorite go-to’s to make mid-week after work, during cozy weekend mornings and using everyday ingredients and techniques.
I don’t want them to be fussy, complicated or use uncommon ingredients. BUT, I do want them to taste exceptional (obvs).
And I love baking with bananas! Some of my other favorite banana recipes include this Fluffy Banana Oat Snacking Cake (swoon), mega moist Double Chocolate Banana Bread, this Banana Espresso Cake that is a reader favorite or my Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (with streusel!) that will knock your socks off. Really.
COMFORT BAKING
In light of everything going on in the world, I could not be happier that these are the recipes I’ve been working on for you. For me, baking has always been a form of comfort. I’ve always loved baking, but never needed it more than when we moved to Beijing.
Being there with my two little babies (Stella was just 3 and Gavin 1), not knowing anyone, trying to learn a new (and hella complex) language and navigating a new city (transportation, schooling, grocery shopping, currency conversions).
The one thing that really helped me through that transition was baking. So, with that, I’m going to keep giving you easy, everyday and UBER delicious recipes that I hope will bring you comfort.
So in that context, know that I will be churning out some cozy, easy bakes for you in the upcoming weeks.
I’m here for any baking questions, either posted in the comments section on DisplacedHousewife, via email or slide into my DMs on Instagram (I’m not as swift on Facebook, if we’re being honest).
THIS BANANA BREAD
The impetus for this particular recipe was that I started to update my Brown Butter Muscovado Banana Bread but became completely side-tracked with the mission to make an exceptional and EASY Everyday Banana Bread with as few ingredients as possible.
This seemed important, imperative and immediate and I could think of nothing else.
I have made, at a minimum, ten loaves of this bread…testing how many bananas we can shove in this beauty, how much nutmeg to use, different loaf tins, mixer vs hand mixing, that sugar crust that you’re going to LOVE and to put the banana on the top or not to put the banana on the top (I give you the pros and cons below).
Bottom line is I’m on the cusp of turning into a loaf of banana bread.
One thing that I love about this recipe, is how we first combine the bananas, sugar and nutmeg and mix them together until they are completely homogenous and beautiful.
Take a long sniff and you’ll be treated to the most glorious of scents. This simple step infuses rich banana and nutmeg flavors into every crumb of this gorgeous bread.
Not to be neglected is the GLORIOUSNESS of the sugar crust that forms over the top. Now go forth and bake it. You’ll love it. I promise.
The Baker’s Guide to Measuring Flour
One of the biggest (and most common) mistakes in baking is how we measure flour. If you find yourself without a scale, see my top tips on how to properly measure flour for the perfect amount every time!
Before We Get Started
- BANANAS. When picking bananas to bake with, avoid ones that are completely brown/black as the flavor has turned. I like them to have a touch more browning than the bananas in the photos, but not too much. I want them soft and easily smushed, but not mushy. If you are dying to bake banana bread but only have green bananas put the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 350 F (177 C)(note this will completely darken the banana peel, but these won’t have that turned flavor that isn’t ideal). Additionally, the weight of the bananas can be anywhere between 350-350g (3-4 medium-ish bananas). If you use on the larger end, you may need to tack on additional bake time (10-15 minutes).
- LOAF TIN. Youβre going to need a 1.9 quart (9 x 5-inch) loaf pan. I tested the bread in this Ikea one (which I think is pretty, but it browns up the sides of the bread a bit more than Iβd like). I also tested it in a pan similar to this on Amazon + an old battered loaf tin from my mom. To make sure the pan youβre using is the correct size, pour 5 cups of water in thereβ¦it should roughly fill it 3/4s of the way full. That is the perfect-sized pan. If the water fills it up higher or significantly lower, youβll need to find a better sized pan for the bread. One last pan note: the battered lighter-colored pan and the darker, second-linked pan (on Amazon) produced the prettiest bread. The Ikea pan let the sides get a little too done.
- MIXER. I used my electric stand mixer because it’s easy, but this is the perfect recipe to use a bowl and whisk/spatula. You’ll need to mash up the bananas more as you won’t have the paddle to do the work for you, but big deal! You got this!
- NUTMEG. Love me some fresh grated nutmeg if you’re looking for an excuse to buy some. Otherwise, just use ground nutmeg and all will be well.
- SUGAR CRUST. We sprinkle a whopping 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top. You’re going to resist. Think it’s too much. Maybe even omit it (the horror!). I’m hear to tell you, trust the process. My dad couldn’t get over the awesome crusty top this beauty gets. You. Will. Love. It.
- BANANA FLOURISH. If you’re feeling jazz-handsy you can slice a banana length-wise and then in half and place over the top of the batter just prior to baking. If you decide to do this, I have a couple of notes for you:
- Only do this if you plan on eating the banana bread that day. I found that the bread didn’t last as long with the banana on top…perhaps it was too much moisture from the banana. But leftovers became much less desirable the next day.
- If you use the banana, only sprinkle the granulated sugar over the batter, not the bananas (it will cause them to brown too much during baking). You will use less granulated sugar if you have the bananas on top…aim for 1-2 tablespoons.
- Adding the banana to the top of the bread makes the bake time MUCH LONGER. Up to 30 minutes longer in my oven. So take note of that. The sides of your banana bread will be a bit firmer with this extra bake time.
- TOASTED. I wanted to make a banana bread that would toast up well; nothing better than a slice toasted and smeared with salted butter. And yep, this little lady will toast up like a champ.
Let’s baking some DELICIOUS Everyday Banana Bread, shall we?
I love baking with bananas! Some of my other favorite banana recipes include this Fluffy Banana Oat Snacking Cake (swoon), this Banana Espresso Cake that is a reader favorite or my Easy Everyday Banana Bread that will knock your socks off. Really.
Easy Everyday Banana Bread
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 4 medium ripe bananas (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks )
- 1 cup (192 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 tablespoons (113 g/4 oz/1 stick) unsalted butter, (melted and cooled slightly)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
- 2 ΒΌ cups (306 g) all-purpose flour (how to measure flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ΒΎ cup (177 ml) milk, (room temperature)
To Garnish
- 1 banana (optional (see note above, in the Before We Get Started Section))
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
For the Banana Bread
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment* add the bananas, sugar and nutmeg and run the mixer on low for 1-2 minutes or until the bananas are nicely mashed up and completely combined with the sugar and nutmeg. With the machine on low, slowly stream in the cooled butter and run the machine for 1 minute. With the mixer continued on low, add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure the first is well blended before adding in the second. Add in the vanilla and run on low for 30 seconds more or until fully combined.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour and milk in two batches, starting with the flour and ending with the milk and stopping when the batter looks not quite combined. Take the bowl out of the mixer and fold the batter several more times to combine being careful not to over mix. Set aside and let the batter sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C) and make sure a rack is in the center of the oven. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line with parchment paper letting the excess hang over the sides. Pour the batter into the baking tin; tap on the counter several times to release any trapped air bubbles. If garnishing with the banana slices, add those before the sugar. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top of the loaf (avoiding the banana if using). Bake in the center of the oven for 60 minutes or until the center bounces back when pressed gently or a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. If you put sliced banana over the top of the bread it may need up to 30 additional minutes to bake through (check every 10 minutes (after the 60 minute bake time) for doneness). Let sit for 10 minutes and then use the parchment overhang to pull the bread out of the pan and let the bread finish cool on a cooling rack.
I accidentally added too much sugar on top, and the crust that formed tricked me into thinking the bread was done when it was not :-(. The salvageable half of the loaf though, was absolutely delicious. I added pecans and chocolate chips, and did not include the banana on top. Iβll be sure to check for doneness more thoroughly the next time I make this. :-)
Hi Elliot!
The way the sugar-top puffs up and hardens can look deceiving. I hope you will try it again because I absolutely LOVE this banana bread!
PS I’m about to post a new banana cake that’s equally fab!
xoxo
I tried this by using buttermilk instead of milk, and reduced butter. It was delicious and moist!
Hi Calista! Thank you for these notes — I love hearing how people make recipe edits. So happy you loved it!!! xoxo
Is it possible to sub the white sugar with brown sugar? This is such a great recipe, but I don’t have any white sugar on hand a the moment.
I’ve never had banana bread with a crispy/crunchy top so I didn’t think it would matter. I was going to omit it to reduce the sugar, but I’m glad I followed instructions and didn’t do that. It really makes a difference! And it’s beautiful. This was a terrific banana bread, although my walnut loving husband was whining about the lack of nuts. I think I have some in the freezer so I’ll change that next time (no reflection on the recipe, though). Thanks so much for the recipe!
Hi Areena! I am soooo happy you put that sugar on top — it’s so dang good! And I think it’s great if you add walnuts. I know some people have added chocolate chips as well. I wanted to create a nice base recipe that people could make their own. Have fun with it!!! xoxo
This recipe is winner!! Such an amazing banana bread, super moist in the middle and an incredible crispy sugar crust! Loved it so much, thank you for such a fool-proof recipe!
Hi Francisco!! This comment makes my heart sing — THANK YOU!!!!
This banana bread is the most delectable that I have ever made and my partner says it was the best he has ever eaten!
I made it with maple sugar instead of white sugar and didn’t use the banana on top. The partner ate the 4th banana earlier in the day before I could claim it. : ) Instead of sprinkling raw sugar on top, I sprinkled maple sugar crumbles. Definitely a bright spot for a sunny day of social distancing!
Hey Wendy!! Thank you so much for this comment — I love when I hear about substitutions that work. I’m sooo happy that you all loved it. Stay safe and eat banana bread!! ;) xoxo
Oh, this was delicious! It’s best after it cools completely (we grew impatient due to the mouth-watering aroma). I didn’t think the crispy top would be a big deal, but I was wrong–really makes it! Hubby and I agree that walnuts are needed, but I realize not everyone has chopped walnuts in their freezer (esp in pandemic mode). Thanks for this recipe! It was easy and paid off in spades.
I assume any milk alternative is ok? Any recs?
Hi Tran! Someone recently used almond milk and said it turned out great. So I’m guessing that would apply to all nut milks (although I haven’t tested any). I hope this helps. Let me know if you use a milk alternative…I think coconut milk could work well too!! xoxo
Hi Rebecca…First, this is a general comment about your recipes, many of which I use with great success. I especially appreciate your “Before we get started” notes, that I have found to universally be very informative for my baking in general. You discuss your reason for choosing certain specific ingredients very clearly and your tips are obviously based on your own experience. Thank you so much…
Hi Sally — thank you so very much for this sweet note!!! I really appreciate hearing this. It’s comments like this that keep me inspired and creating. Have a wonderful day and stay safe!! xoxo
Giddy-Up – thatβs some gud cake. Try it lightly toasted. We have just about devoured ours – so good.
Yay!!! Thanks dad!!! xoxo
Love banana bread! This looks amazing, going to have to make it.
I hope you do — thanks Sarah Beth!! xox
I cannot wait to make this!!!!!
I hope you love it!!!!!! xoxox