Moist, caramelized, and crowned with that iconic crackly crust
There’s a reason this banana bread has ‘BEST’ in its title—it’s perfectly moist, packed with caramelized banana flavor, and has that irresistible crackly crust. After years of testing (and dozens of overripe bananas later), this recipe remains my go-to.
The Best Banana Bread You’ll Ever Make
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – No fancy staples!
- Perfect texture – Dense yet tender (no gumminess!).
- Two tricks for wow factor: Mini chips on top + coarse sugar crunch.
- Works with add-ins – Nuts, chocolate, or keep it simple.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups ripe bananas (3-4); mashed
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 2/3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
- optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts
For Topping:
- Handful mini chocolate chips (melty pools!)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sugar (for sparkle & crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease only the bottom of a 9×5” loaf pan (for straight sides).
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy (2 mins). Add eggs one at a time.
3. Wet Ingredients: Mix in bananas and water until just combined (~30 sec). Don’t overbeat!
4. Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder until no streaks remain. Stir in nuts/chips if using.
5. Bake: Pour into pan. Top with mini chips + coarse sugar. Bake 60–70 mins (start checking at 55 mins—toothpick should come out clean).
Serving & Storing
- Best served warm – The mini chips will be gloriously gooey!
- Store wrapped in foil at room temp for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Pro Trick: Microwave a slice for 10 seconds before serving—tastes fresh-baked!
Final Thoughts
This banana bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a little slice of comfort that turns speckled bananas into something magical. Whether you stick to the classic version or pile on those melty chocolate chips (my personal weakness!), it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven and your heart feel full.
Try These Recipes!
See your banana bread featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
The Best Banana Bread Recipe For Chocolate Lovers
Don't throw away those overripe bananas! Make a loaf of this moist, delicious banana bread! The chocolate chips make it even more delicious!!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups ripe bananas; mashed (no chunks)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 2/3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- optional: 1/2 cup nuts or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease bottom of a loaf pan.
- Cream sugar and butter together. Stir in eggs.
- Add mashed bananas and water; beat 30 seconds.
- Stir in remaining ingredients (except nuts or chocolate chips) until just moistened.
- Stir in nuts or chips.
- **I top mine with mini chips and course sugar**
- Pour into the loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour (sometimes it's more like and hour and 10 minutes).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 398Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 352mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 3gSugar: 33gProtein: 6g
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