If you buy bananas often, you are certainly familiar with a specific problem. One day, those bananas look nice and yellow – then you turn around, and they suddenly have brown spots all over. Not everyone likes brown bananas. In our house, bananas are often intentionally left lying around for longer, because that’s when they are simply perfect for baking! If you feel the same way, you’ll surely be pleased with our list of The Top 10 Best Banana Bread Recipes. So go shopping now and get some bananas – just to ignore them until they’re brown and ready for baking! ;P
The History of Banana Bread
Banana bread had a viral moment during the pandemic, because everyone was sitting at home, not knowing what to do with their lives and their overripe bananas. The first banana bread is said to be baked during the Great Depression in the US. Resourceful women back then used overripe bananas from grocery stores to save money and use them in their bakes – those bananas would have been thrown away otherwise. Very clever. ;)
Although the first recipe for banana bread was published in 1933, it took a few more years before banana bread really became popular in the US. Since the 1950s, this type of bake has been a staple in American baking books and magazines. While we (here) started baking banana bread a little later (in the 90s), we immediately fell in love with these delicious baked goods. The only problem we have with banana bread… is it really bread, or maybe should we call it cake? Americans are known for considering toast as »bread« too – a quite questionable opinion. Just kidding. ;P
Why is banana bread so popular?
We’d say it’s simply because they taste absolutely delicious. Others would probably add that they’re super easy to prepare and can be on the table quickly. Most banana bread recipes are simple, don’t require exotic ingredients (besides the bananas from the Tropics), and are therefore ideal for baking beginners. Messing up a banana bread recipe requires quite a bit of effort. ;P
The basic ingredients for banana bread are (over)ripe bananas, flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter or oil. With these ingredients, you can bake a decent banana bread. Of course, you can refine and enhance such a simple banana bread with add-ons. Nuts, dried fruits, spices, or chocolate are just a few ways to transform a simple banana bread into a real hit.
Tips for making perfect banana bread
The riper the bananas, the better! A few brown spots on the bananas are fine, but it’s better if the bananas are completely brown or even black. This is when the bananas are ripest, and a lot of the starch in the bananas has already been converted into sugar. However, you should make sure that those brown/black bananas don’t show any mold. If that happened, you’ve unfortunately waited too long. ;P
Always mash bananas thoroughly before using them in a batter. The fewer pieces there are, the better the bananas and their flavors will be distributed throughout the baked good. If you want to take your »banana bread business« to the next level, you should roast the bananas in advance with a little butter and sugar before using them in a recipe. An absolute game changer! We got a recipe for that at the end, in case you are interested…
Using bananas gives baked goods a great texture and makes them nice and moist. If you use buttermilk or sour cream instead of milk, the texture gets even better. No more dry banana cakes or banana bread.
Many banana bread recipes are loaded with sugar. If the bananas are really ripe, you can (in theory) always get rid of some of the sugar. The overripe bananas themselves will already be very sweet, and less additional sweetness is needed. However, you should be careful when reducing sugar in a recipe. Less added sugar always sounds good, but sugar isn’t just used to add sweetness. If you use too little or no sugar at all, the texture (and browning) of the baked good will change significantly, and the result may not be what you’d like. Just keep that in mind.
Our 10 best banana breads – a small but fine collection!
Enough chitchat – here is our list of recipes for delicious banana bread. Everything from a classic (and simple) banana bread with a few walnuts to our absolute favorite banana bread with caramelized bananas! Soooo good!
Walnut Banana Bread
This Walnut Banana Bread was the first recipe we published on the blog back in 2015 already. Gosh… more than 10 years ago! However, the recipe got a little update a few years back – the old photos from the early days weren’t the best, tbh. ;P
Banana Bread with Chocolate & Walnuts
If you already like a simple banana bread with walnuts, you’ll definitely love its upgrade – our Banana Bread with Chocolate & Walnuts is easy to make and truly delicious. Just the way banana bread should be…
Nutella Swirled Banana Bread
This Nutella Swirled Banana Bread was a real hit on the blog for a very long time – in recent years, the demand for the recipe has dwindled somewhat. Perhaps this is due to the more or less »controversial« ingredient Nutella. Some fell out of love with the Italian chocolate hazelnut spread. Luckily, you can bake this banana bread with all sorts of Nutella alternatives… there are quite a few options out there that are less sugary and are not made with palm oil. Just sayin’. ;)
»Death by Chocolate« Banana Bread
If a little bit of chocolate or Nutella wasn’t enough, you maybe want to try our »Death by Chocolate« Banana Bread. It doesn’t get any more chocolatey than this. Be sure to have a glass of milk ready when cutting your self a slice… you really need it to fight all that chocolate. ;P
Honey Oats & Pecan Banana Bread
The first banana bread recipes on the list were a bit more »sinful« you could say. Loads of sugar, high in fat, and an almost endless amount of calories. But there are other options. Our Honey Oats & Pecan Banana Bread isn’t quite as damaging to your body – thanks to the healthy oats. Or at least, that’s what we tell yourselves… ;P
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long can you store banana bread?
Well-wrapped, banana bread will usually keep for about 3-4 days at room temperature. In the fridge, probably a bit longer even. However, you should let it come to room temperature for a while before serving.
2. Can I freeze banana bread?
Absolutely! Banana bread can be frozen without any problems. Let the banana bread cool completely, then cut it into slices and place them in a freezer bag. If you make sure the slices are next to each other and not on top of each other, you can remove them individually to thaw. Frozen banana bread will keep for about 4-6 months.
3. Can I bake banana bread without sugar?
Yes, it’s possible. You can find recipes for it above. We like to use sugar alternatives like Xylitol, because you don’t have to worry about texture as much… but you can also bake banana bread without any sugar to add sweetness – if the bananas are really ripe! ;)
4. Is banana bread healthy?
In case you’re wondering if you can bake banana bread without sugar, you might also be wondering if banana bread is healthy. It’s basically made with good, healthy ingredients (bananas, nuts, dairy, etc.), but these are often combined with a fairly large amount of sugar and fat. Keep this in mind, and perhaps choose a recipe that uses a little less sugar. Our Wholemeal Cinnamon Banana Bread might be an option for you…
5. I only have yellow bananas – what should I do?
Overripe bananas are best for banana bread – without a doubt. However, you can also use regular yellow bananas as well – if you prepare them beforehand. To get overripe bananas, simply bake the bananas at 160°C (320°F) for about 20-25 minutes in an oven, and they will be nicely »ripened« and ready to use in a recipe. Let them cool down first, of course. You don’t want to burn your fingers. ;P
Wholemeal Cinnamon Banana Bread
If you really like it a little healthier, you might want to try our Wholemeal Cinnamon Banana Bread. Here we have really made sure not to use too much sugar. When using a sugar alternative like Xylitol, you can even create something without any added sugar…
Healthier Zucchini Banana Bread
Another candidate for the »slightly healthier« category: our Sugar-free Zucchini Banana Bread. There is no added sugar – instead, we use Xylitol to sweeten the banana bead. When using very ripe bananas, you don’t need much. Saying that – we know that desserts don’t have to be healthy… but it also can’t hurt, right?! ;P
Flourless Coconut Banana Bread (sugar-free & gluten-free)
If you want less of everything, you should check out our Coconut Banana Bread – no wheat flour, no sugar, no gluten. If you’re looking for something with fewer carbs to include in your diet, this is probably a good option.
Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread
Our Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread takes a completely different approach – it’s a blend of banana bread and cheesecake. At least to some extent. The cream cheese definitely makes this banana bread very moist! And delicious!
Banana Bread with Caramelized Bananas
Last but not least – our absolute favorite banana bread recipe. Our Banana Bread with Caramelized Bananas tastes amazing and beats all other banana bread recipes. Honestly! An absolute baking recommendation! So delicious!
If you’ve tried one of these delicious banana bread recipes, be sure to let us know in the comments if everything worked out and how you liked it. If there’s anything missing from this list, please let us know… we’re always looking for new ideas. We have seen a lot of banana bread recipes already, but unfortunately, we don’t know everything. A little input never hurts! ;)
Have fun baking and enjoy your next banana bread!
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