Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 3 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a stash of overripe bananas waiting for their moment to shine. Well, this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe is exactly that — a cozy, irresistible classic that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s my mom’s best recipe, perfected over years and always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s wonderfully fluffy and “skinny” (in a good way!), so you can enjoy more than one slice without the guilt. Stick with me, because I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Banana Ripeness: Using heavily spotted bananas ensures natural sweetness and moist crumb.
  • Balanced Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda team up to give that signature fluffy rise.
  • Minimal Mixing: Stopping as soon as ingredients combine keeps the bread light and tender, not rubbery.
  • Simple, wholesome ingredients: No weird substitutes here, just the classic staples for a foolproof loaf.
Fluffy Banana Bread, banana bread recipe, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, healthy banana bread - A golden-brown loaf cake with a slightly cracked top, sprinkled with small chopped nuts evenly spread over the surface. The cake is in a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a folded burnt orange cloth that adds a touch of warm color. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist with a crisp crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. I always recommend using fresh spices and ripe bananas for maximum impact—these little details make a big difference.

Fluffy Banana Bread, banana bread recipe, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, healthy banana bread - Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with packed brown sugar, another small white bowl with white granulated sugar, a few teaspoons of light brown baking powder and baking soda arranged as loose piles, a small pinch of salt next to a tiny heap of ground cinnamon, three large ripe bananas with heavily spotted brown skins, a small white bowl containing melted butter, two large whole uncracked eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl with chopped walnuts, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure without heaviness.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor that deepens the banana aroma.
  • White granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
  • Baking powder: Provides lift for a fluffy texture.
  • Baking soda: Reacts with the banana’s acidity to help the bread rise and brown nicely.
  • Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
  • Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice that complements the bananas.
  • Ripe bananas: The star of the show—use spotted or brown bananas for sweetness and moisture.
  • Melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the soft texture.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nutty depth.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe is no different. I like to experiment with add-ins or adjust sweetness depending on the mood or season. Give these ideas a try—or swap in your own favorites!

  • Nut Variations: Sometimes I swap walnuts for toasted pecans or even almond slivers for a different crunch and flavor.
  • Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom gives a fun twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
  • Lighter Version: For a “skinny” tweak, you can reduce sugar slightly or replace butter with coconut oil.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Toss in mini chocolate chips for a melty surprise that you’ll thank me for.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

The first thing I do is preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper—it makes removing the banana bread a breeze and keeps the sides perfectly tender. Trust me, this little step is a game-changer.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Getting these dry ingredients well combined upfront helps everything distribute evenly once the wet ingredients come into play.

Step 3: Mash and Whisk Wet Ingredients

Using a fork, mash your ripe bananas until smooth—no big lumps here! Then add melted butter (slightly cooled, so it doesn’t cook the eggs), beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully combined. This is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined—honestly, just stop when you don’t see flour anymore. Over-mixing is the #1 culprit for a dense or rubbery banana bread, and we want fluffy perfection here!

Step 5: Fold in Nuts

If you’re a fan of a nutty crunch like me, fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Add them gently so you don’t overwork the batter. You can totally skip this step if nuts aren’t your thing—or if you’re baking for a nut allergy.

Step 6: Bake and Test

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. I usually start checking at 55 minutes to avoid over-baking, which dries out the bread.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. I love this bread warm, so I often toast a slice or zap it for a few seconds in the microwave. The aroma will have you hooked instantly.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

  • Use Well-Ripened Bananas: Don’t be shy about bananas with brown spots — they’re perfect for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Measure Flour Carefully: I spoon the flour into my cup instead of scooping straight from the bag to avoid dense results.
  • Don’t Overmix: As soon as the flour disappears, stop stirring to keep the crumb tender and fluffy.
  • Use Parchment Paper: It makes removing your loaf so much easier and helps to keep moisture in.

How to Serve Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

Fluffy Banana Bread, banana bread recipe, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, healthy banana bread - The image shows three slices of brown nut bread placed on a wire cooling rack. The top two slices reveal a dense, moist texture with visible chunks of walnuts inside, while the bottom slice has a darker crust sprinkled with walnut pieces. The bread has a rough, crumbly surface with a mix of light and dark brown colors. An orange cloth is partially visible on the right side, set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a thin spread of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a little tang. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a nice touch without overpowering the banana flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Sometimes, I serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an easy, balanced bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or special occasions, I like to present the banana bread sliced on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nut butter, fruit preserves, and fresh berries on the side—everyone loves customizing their own slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I keep my banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry out the bread’s tender crumb—trust me, your future self will thank you for this tip.

Freezing

I slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before popping them into a freezer bag. This way, I can grab a slice whenever the craving hits—frozen banana bread stays great for about 3 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen slices back to life, I usually microwave them for about 20 seconds or lightly toast the bread. This warms it through without drying it out, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this banana bread?

    Absolutely! Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends often work well as a 1:1 substitute, but be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for structure. Your bread might be a tad denser, but still deliciously fluffy.

  2. How ripe should my bananas be?

    The riper, the better. Look for bananas covered in brown spots or even fully brown-skinned ones. These have the highest sugar content and offer the best flavor and moisture for your bread.

  3. Can I add chocolate chips to this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe?

    Yes! I love adding mini chocolate chips folded in with the nuts or on their own. It gives a lovely sweet surprise that complements the banana without overpowering it.

  4. Why is my banana bread dense instead of fluffy?

    Dense banana bread often results from overmixing or too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the cup and stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. Also, using ripe bananas helps keep the crumb moist and light.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe feels like a little piece of home, every time I make it. What I love most is how simply you can whip it up with ingredients you probably already have, and how rewarding it tastes. Whether it’s for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, this bread rarely sticks around long in my house—so I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Go ahead, grab those bananas, and treat yourself—you deserve it.

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Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 15 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread is a light, moist, and flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a mix of brown and white sugar for balanced sweetness. This healthier banana bread recipe uses melted butter and includes optional nuts for added texture, making it perfect for a guilt-free snack or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking. Set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter (slightly cooled), and vanilla extract. Whisk all together until fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk gently until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread fluffy.
  5. Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans gently if you choose to add nuts for texture and flavor.
  6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly. Serve warm from the toaster or microwave, or enjoy it at room temperature.

Notes

  • The calorie count of 179 calories per slice is based on 1 slice without nuts. Adding the walnuts or pecans increases the calories to approximately 206 per slice.
  • Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid overly dense and dry bread.
  • Use very ripe, heavily spotted or brown bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture; underripe bananas won’t provide the same flavor or moisture.
  • Do not over-mix the batter after adding wet and dry ingredients to keep the texture light and fluffy instead of rubbery.
  • Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days; refrigeration is not recommended as it dries out the crumb.
  • To freeze, slice the cooled loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 179 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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