13 Easy Banana Bread Recipes to Try – Perfect for Every Occasion!

Banana bread is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re craving something sweet, need a quick breakfast, or want to impress your guests with minimal effort, banana bread has got you covered.

In this post, we’ll explore 13 easy banana bread recipes perfect for every occasion in 2026.

From classic flavors to creative twists, these recipes are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers. Let’s dive into the delicious world of banana bread!

Recipe 1: Classic Banana Bread

This traditional banana bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and packed with ripe bananas. It’s the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then fold in the flour gradually. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
4. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

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Recipe 2: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Take your banana bread up a notch by adding chocolate chips. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet banana creates an irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mash the bananas in a bowl and mix them with melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring even distribution of chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (some melted chocolate may stick).
6. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for gooey chocolate goodness.

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Recipe 3: Gluten-Free Banana Bread

For those avoiding gluten, this recipe uses almond flour and oat flour to create a soft, nutty banana bread that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey/maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until no lumps remain.
4. Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.

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Recipe 4: Walnut Banana Bread

This nutty twist on classic banana bread adds a delightful crunch with toasted walnuts. It’s perfect for those who love texture in their baked goods.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Toast Walnuts: Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then fold in the flour gradually. Mix just until combined.
5. Fold in Walnuts: Gently stir in the toasted walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the crunchy goodness!

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Recipe 5: Vegan Banana Bread

This vegan-friendly banana bread is moist, flavorful, and completely dairy-free. Perfect for plant-based diets, it uses flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water (flax “egg”)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, flax “egg,” and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Recipe 6: Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This banana bread features a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the middle, adding a touch of spice and sweetness to every bite.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (for the swirl)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then fold in the flour gradually. Mix just until combined.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
5. Layer Batter & Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the sweet, spiced swirls!

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Recipe 7: Coconut Banana Bread

This tropical-inspired banana bread is infused with shredded coconut and coconut oil for a rich, exotic flavor that will transport you to paradise.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and shredded coconut to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for garnish.
5. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a taste of the tropics!

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Recipe 8: Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This rich and indulgent banana bread is swirled with creamy peanut butter, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The combination of bananas and peanut butter is simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (plus extra for swirling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then fold in the flour gradually. Mix just until combined.
4. Swirl in Peanut Butter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter, then use a knife to swirl it gently. Add the remaining batter on top and repeat the peanut butter swirl.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the creamy peanut butter swirls!

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Recipe 9: Blueberry Banana Bread

This fruity twist on banana bread incorporates juicy blueberries, adding bursts of sweetness and color to every slice. It’s a perfect treat for brunch or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them. This will ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (some blueberry juice may stick).
7. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a burst of fruity flavor!

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Recipe 10: Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

This fall-inspired banana bread combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with the sweetness of bananas. It’s perfect for autumn baking or anytime you want a taste of the season.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice over the wet mixture, then fold in the flour gradually. Mix just until combined.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of fall!

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Recipe 11: Lemon Poppy Seed Banana Bread

This refreshing banana bread is infused with zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, offering a bright and tangy twist on the classic recipe. It’s perfect for springtime or whenever you need a citrusy pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
4. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a burst of lemony freshness!

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Recipe 12: Double Chocolate Banana Bread

For chocolate lovers, this double chocolate banana bread is a dream come true. Packed with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it’s rich, fudgy, and utterly indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (some melted chocolate may stick).
6. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a gooey chocolate experience!

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Recipe 13: Oatmeal Banana Bread

This hearty banana bread is packed with oats, giving it a wholesome texture and added fiber. It’s perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack that keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
4. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a hearty, wholesome treat!