Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour two small loaf pans or one 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl using a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the mashed bananas until well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Mix gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- If using nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon, gently fold them in now.
Step 6: Fill the Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool
- Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until the flour disappears.
- Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender crumb.
- Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your banana bread:
- Warm with butter
- Drizzled with honey
- Spread with cream cheese
- Topped with peanut butter
- Alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
This classic banana bread is incredibly moist, fluffy, and bursting with natural banana flavor. Whether served fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, it’s a timeless homemade treat everyone will love.
