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Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 34 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a homemade treat that’s light, tender, and bursting with banana flavor, you’re going to love this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe. I’ve been making this one for years—it’s my mom’s best “skinny” version that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy or dense. Trust me, it’s super easy to whip up, and it’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a casual dessert. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all the tips to help you get that classic soft crumb and perfect banana sweetness every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Sweetness: Combining brown and white sugar adds depth of flavor without overpowering the natural banana taste.
  • Perfect Leavening: Baking powder and baking soda work together to create that light, fluffy texture we all crave.
  • Moisture From Bananas and Butter: Ripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture, while just enough melted butter keeps it tender without being greasy.
  • Simple Technique: Minimal mixing prevents a rubbery crumb—just stir until combined and you’re set!
Fluffy Banana Bread, Banana Bread Recipe, Easy Banana Bread, Soft Banana Cake, Homemade 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

This fluffy banana bread recipe uses common pantry staples, but each ingredient has a job that brings the bread to life. Knowing why can help you shop smarter and troubleshoot if you need to.

Fluffy Banana Bread, Banana Bread Recipe, Easy Banana Bread, Soft Banana Cake, Homemade 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 base that provides structure; remember to spoon and level it to avoid a dry loaf.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich caramel notes for depth of flavor.
  • White granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with tender crumb formation.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents give you that tall, airy rise you’re aiming for.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—it’s a small but mighty addition.
  • Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with banana’s natural sweetness.
  • Ripe bananas: Your loaf’s soul; heavily spotted or brown bananas ensure maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the crumb soft.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a tender texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Amplifies the flavors with a sweet, aromatic hint.
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor if you want a little extra texture.
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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

One of the best things about this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love to experiment depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you’ll find that small changes can take your loaf in fun new directions.

  • Nut-Free Version: I often leave out the nuts for a kid-friendly loaf or when someone has allergies—it’s still beautifully fluffy without them.
  • Chocolate Chip Addition: Whenever I need an extra cozy touch, I fold in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips—the melty pockets of chocolate are always a hit.
  • Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warmer, autumn vibe that pairs amazingly well with cinnamon.
  • Healthy Boost: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier, heartier bread without sacrificing fluffiness.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to line it with parchment paper for an easy release that keeps the edges nice and intact—no crumbled banana bread disasters here!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute your leavening evenly and blends the spices throughout the bread.

Step 3: Mash and Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. Add your beaten eggs, melted butter (let it cool a bit so you don’t cook the eggs), and vanilla extract. Whisk it all gently until you have a uniform wet mixture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until you can’t see any flour. Don’t overdo it here—over-mixing can make your banana bread tough. If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in now.

Step 5: Bake & Enjoy

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the middle—it should come out clean or with just a couple moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spotty your bananas are, the sweeter and moister your bread will become. Don’t be afraid of brown bananas—they’re gold here.
  • Spoon and Level Flour: I learned the hard way that scooping flour with the measuring cup adds too much—spoon flour into the cup and level with a knife to keep crumb soft.
  • Mix Gently: Stir just until the flour disappears; over-mixing is the quickest route to dense, tough banana bread.
  • Pan Prep Matters: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes the loaf much easier to remove—even when it’s hot—and keeps the sides smooth.

How to Serve Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

Fluffy Banana Bread, Banana Bread Recipe, Easy Banana Bread, Soft Banana Cake, Homemade 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 to top slices with a slather of creamy butter or my favorite nut butter. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crackly, sweet crust that’s just dreamy. And you can’t go wrong with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for breakfast vibes.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a mug of chai tea. For a fuller breakfast, I’ll serve it alongside Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries—adds a nice tang and extra protein to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or a casual party, I’ve sliced the loaf and arranged it on a platter with bowls of different toppings—nut butters, fruit preserves, and small jars of honey—letting guests customize their own slice. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy banana bread beyond just plain slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days—this keeps it pleasantly soft. Refrigerating tends to dry it out quickly, so I avoid that if I can.

Freezing

If I bake a big batch, I slice the loaf after it’s completely cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to three months, which means I always have a delicious treat on hand.

Reheating

To bring frozen slices back to life, I microwave them for about 20 seconds. This little warming trick revives the softness and makes each bite taste freshly baked—just as good as the first day.

FAQs

  1. Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute in this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but remember that sugar also helps keep the bread moist and tender. Using substitutes like honey or maple syrup is possible, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid content accordingly, and it might change the texture a bit.

  2. What’s the best way to know when my banana bread is done?

    The most reliable test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—but not wet batter. Also, the top should be golden and spring back slightly when pressed.

  3. Can I substitute melted butter with oil?

    Yes, using oil instead of butter will keep the bread moist, but it might lack some of the buttery richness that butter provides. If you try it, opt for a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, and use slightly less—about 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup melted butter.

  4. How ripe should my bananas be for the Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe?

    The bananas should be heavily spotted or mostly brown—this indicates they’re at peak ripeness and will bring maximum sweetness and moisture. Using green or just yellow bananas will result in a less flavorful and drier loaf.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it’s reliably soft, perfectly sweet, and just plain comforting. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is forgiving and delicious. Do yourself a favor and keep some ripe bananas handy; your kitchen will thank you for it. Ready to bake your own loaf? I’m rooting for you—you’ve got this!

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Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 34 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • 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

This is Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread recipe that yields a moist and tender loaf with only 179 calories per slice. Made with ripe bananas, a blend of brown and white sugars, and a hint of cinnamon, this banana bread is perfect for a healthy treat or snack.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together until evenly mixed.
  3. Prepare wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. Then add beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until smooth and just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  5. Add nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Serve: Allow bread to cool slightly. Serve warm from a toaster or microwave or at room temperature as desired.

Notes

  • Calorie Disclaimer: Nutritional information is based on 1 slice without nuts. Adding 1/2 cup nuts increases calories to approximately 206 per slice.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: For the best texture, spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a knife instead of scooping directly.
  • The Bananas: Use heavily spotted or brown bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t Over-Mix: Mix wet and dry ingredients only until the flour disappears to avoid rubbery bread.
  • Storage: Store bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days; avoid refrigerating to prevent drying.
  • Freezing: Slice cooled loaf, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months; thaw in microwave for 20 seconds.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 179 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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