The Best Banana Bread

The Best Banana Bread

We have a lot of requirements when it comes to banana bread and we finally created a recipe that ticks all the boxes. It's moist, tender, a little tangy and perfectly sweet—all around our favorite one. The best part is that it's even better the next day (if it lasts that long). Try toasting the bread and slathering with a little salted butter. We're pretty sure you'll never need another banana bread recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil

    plus more for greasing pan

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

    see Cook's Note

  • 1 cup toasted pecans

    chopped

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs

    lightly beaten

  • 1/4 cup buttermilk

    sour cream or yogurt

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar

    lightly packed

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 soft

    very ripe, darkly speckled medium bananas, mashed, about 1 1/2 cups

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter one 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Whisk together the flour, pecans, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl; stir in the mashed bananas. Fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined (it's OK if there are some lumps).

  3. 3

    Pour the batter into the buttered pan and lightly tap the pan on the counter to evenly distribute the batter. Bake until browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean, about 1 hour. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

The Best Banana Bread

The Best Banana Bread

4.8(470)

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 470 ratings

foodnetwork.com
4.8(470 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comforting treat that reminds you of home? This recipe for The Best Banana Bread delivers on its promise, offering a deeply satisfying slice that’s moist, tender, and perfectly balanced, making it an instant family favorite.

Why This Banana Bread Works

What truly sets this banana bread apart is its exquisite balance of flavors and textures. We’ve meticulously crafted it to be wonderfully moist and tender, with a subtle tang that brightens the sweetness, and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. The recipe’s magic is that it only gets better with time, developing even richer flavors by the next day – if you can make it last that long!

When you bake this banana bread, you can expect an aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet banana and a delicate tang from the dairy, perfectly complemented by warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and the earthy crunch of toasted pecans. It’s an incredibly comforting and flavorful experience, designed to be both satisfying and easy to love for any home baker.

Customization & Variations

This versatile banana bread recipe offers a few simple swaps to suit your pantry and preferences. You can easily use melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil for the fat, whichever you have on hand. For the dairy, feel free to substitute sour cream or yogurt for the buttermilk; they all contribute to that desirable tang and moist crumb. If nuts aren't your preference, you can simply omit the toasted pecans for a smooth, classic banana bread experience.

Serve a thick slice of this perfect banana bread warm, perhaps after a light toasting, with a generous spread of salted butter. It’s an ideal treat for a leisurely breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert after any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions