4 Banana Bread is one of those timeless treats that never fails to bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a breakfast bite, or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea, banana bread fits the bill perfectly. The beauty of this classic loaf lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, a bit of time, and the wonderful result of a moist, aromatic bread that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
4 Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients for 4 Banana Bread
To make the perfect Yummy 4 Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
- The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are ideal as they bring extra sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- Butter adds richness and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different texture.
- 2 large eggs
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- The flour provides the structure for the bread. For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Baking soda helps the bread rise and provides the soft texture we all love in banana bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Salt enhances the sweetness of the bananas and balances out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making the bread more aromatic. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you prefer a spiced touch.
Sweeteners (optional):
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Standard sugar works well to add sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce this amount or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- Brown sugar gives the banana bread a lovely molasses flavor and makes it even more moist.
Add-ins (optional, but recommended):
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty crunch)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (if you prefer a sweeter, dessert-style bread)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for added texture and flavor)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a fruity twist)
Directions for 4 Banana Bread
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Yummy 4 Banana Bread:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the Bananas:
- Peel the 4 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed bananas. Leave a few small lumps for texture if desired.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- To the mashed bananas, add 1/2 cup melted butter and stir until fully combined.
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the banana mixture and whisk them in until smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using).
- Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Do not overmix the batter—stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
6. Add Sweeteners:
- Add the 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar (if using) to the batter. Stir to combine, ensuring the sugar is evenly incorporated into the mixture.
7. Optional Add-ins:
- If you’re adding any optional ingredients, such as chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or raisins, fold them into the batter now.
8. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
9. Bake the Banana Bread:
- Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, but check after 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s still wet, continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
10. Cool the Bread:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After that, carefully turn the pan onto a cooling rack and let the bread cool completely before slicing.
11. Slice and Serve:
- Slice the banana bread into thick slices once cooled.
- Serve as-is or with a spread of butter or nut butter for extra indulgence.
4 Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls One large bowl for combining wet ingredients and another for mixing the dry ingredients.
- Loaf Pan (9x5-inch) A standard loaf pan to bake the banana bread.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the bananas until smooth.
- Whisk To mix the dry ingredients and whisk the wet ingredients.
- Spatula For stirring the batter and scraping it into the loaf pan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash 4 ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: For the best results, use overripe bananas. The more speckled and soft the bananas, the sweeter and moister the bread will be.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so check your bread around 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Fold them in gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Storage: Keep banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice and wrap individual pieces for easy thawing.
- Baking Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking for the most consistent results.
- Cooling: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
Tips for Perfect 4 Banana Bread
To ensure your Yummy 4 Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
1. Use Overripe Bananas:
- The key to super moist and flavorful banana bread is using overripe bananas. The darker the banana peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the fruit inside will be. You want bananas that are speckled with brown spots and almost mushy—this ensures maximum sweetness and moisture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
- When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread. Stir gently and stop once the flour is fully incorporated.
3. Check for Doneness Early:
- Every oven is different, so start checking your bread around 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, give it another 5–10 minutes of baking time. You don’t want to overbake the bread, as it can dry out.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- To achieve a smoother batter, it’s best to use room temperature eggs and melted butter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and affect the texture of the bread.
5. Experiment with Add-ins:
- Feel free to get creative with your banana bread! Add-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) can take your bread to the next level. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
6. Ensure Even Mixing of Baking Soda:
- To avoid any uneven rising, make sure the baking soda is well-mixed with the dry ingredients before adding it to the wet mixture. This ensures the bread rises evenly and doesn’t develop strange texture spots.
7. Bake at the Right Temperature:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. An oven that’s not hot enough can result in uneven baking and a loaf that’s too dense or not cooked through.
8. Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early:
- Resist the urge to check on the bread too soon. Opening the oven door before the bread has set can cause it to collapse. Wait until at least 50 minutes before peeking inside.
9. Cool the Bread Properly:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This prevents it from breaking apart while you remove it from the pan. Let it cool completely before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.
10. Store or Freeze for Later:
- If you have leftovers, store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze slices in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw or reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy again.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your 4 Banana Bread turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!
Conclusion
The Yummy 4 Banana Bread Recipe is not only a delicious and comforting treat but also incredibly versatile. By using four ripe bananas, you create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and packed with natural sweetness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, to create a banana bread that’s uniquely yours. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, this recipe offers endless possibilities for experimentation. We’d love to hear about your own creative variations! Feel free to share your ideas and personal touches with us, and let’s continue baking and enjoying this classic favorite in new and exciting ways.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!