Description
This Joanna Gaines banana bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food—moist, buttery, and packed with rich banana flavor. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, this classic loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or paired with coffee, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 overripe bananas, mashed
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for warmth)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the mashed bananas.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 4: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If using nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon, gently fold them into the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use 3 bananas instead of 4 and add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing makes the bread dense instead of soft.
- Storage: Wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
- Best Bananas: The darker, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots enhance the sweetness and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Joanna Gaines banana bread, Magnolia banana bread, easy banana bread, best banana bread recipe, homemade banana loaf, moist banana bread