Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

ByAmanda
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously light and tender treat, you’ve gotta try this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe. It’s the one I always turn to when I want something comforting but not too heavy. Seriously, this banana bread is fan-freaking-tastic: airy, flavorful, and just sweet enough. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my secrets so your loaf turns out perfectly every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mix of brown and white sugars with ripe bananas and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Light and Airy Texture: Using both baking powder and baking soda, plus careful mixing, keeps the crumb tender and fluffy, not dense.
  • Moistness from Natural Ingredients: Melted butter and ripe bananas keep every bite moist without turning greasy or soggy.
  • Customizable and Easy: Whether you love nuts or want it “skinny,” this recipe adapts to your preferences effortlessly.
Fluffy Banana Bread, light banana bread, tender banana loaf, easy banana bread recipe, moist 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 plays a key role in making this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe work so well. I always recommend shopping for ripe bananas at the grocery or waiting a couple of days at home until they’re perfectly spotted—this makes all the difference!

Fluffy Banana Bread, light banana bread, tender banana loaf, easy banana bread recipe, moist 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: Spoon and level for fluffiness—not too heavy or dense.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
  • White granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give you that light rise.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors without tasting salty.
  • Ground cinnamon: Gives warm spice notes that I love in banana bread.
  • Ripe bananas: The star ingredient—super ripe means super sweet and moist.
  • Melted butter: Provides richness with great texture.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add tender structure.
  • Vanilla extract: Lifts flavors and adds warmth.
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch if you’re into nuts.
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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 love making this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe my own by playing with add-ins and spices. Don’t be shy—baking is an art, and your tastes rule here! You can easily tailor this bread whether you’re after something healthy, nutty, or extra indulgent.

  • Add-ins: I often toss in dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut along with nuts for texture and fun flavor twists.
  • Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you want more warmth in your loaf.
  • Make it “skinny”: This recipe already has just the right amount of butter and sugar to keep it light, but swapping regular sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup can be delicious, too.
  • Gluten-free version: Subbing a gluten-free flour blend works great for my friends with sensitivities, but watch the moisture—they might need a little extra banana or butter.

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

Step 1: Prep your pan and oven

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and a perfect loaf lift, then set it aside. Trust me, this simple prep step makes a difference when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This step ensures that your rising agents get evenly distributed so your bread rises beautifully and consistently.

Step 3: Mash your bananas and add liquids

In another bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until you have a smooth, creamy base—no big chunks here! Then stir in the slightly cooled melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is blended together smoothly. The temperature of the butter matters; too hot and it could cook the eggs—so cooling a bit is key.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently

Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to gently mix just until the flour disappears. Over-mixing is a classic banana bread pitfall — it makes the crumb rubbery instead of fluffy, so stop as soon as everything looks integrated.

Step 5: Fold in nuts (if using)

If you love nuts, fold in those chopped walnuts or pecans now. They add a welcome crunch and complement the banana’s sweetness perfectly. But if you’re nut-free, you can skip this step without missing out.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye during the last 10 minutes — ovens vary, and I hate when my bread dries out or gets too browned. When done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

  • Choose Ripe Bananas: I always wait until my bananas have plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and make the bread super moist.
  • Proper Flour Measuring: Spoon the flour into your cup and level it off—don’t scoop directly; this keeps the bread light instead of dense.
  • Don’t Over-Mix: Mix just until you don’t see flour anymore—over mixing tightens the crumb and makes it tough.
  • Check for Doneness Early: Start testing your loaf with a toothpick around 50 minutes; ovens can vary and you don’t want a dry bread crust.

How to Serve Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

Fluffy Banana Bread, light banana bread, tender banana loaf, easy banana bread recipe, moist 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 like to keep things simple with a light spread of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or add a smear of nut butter for richness. Fresh berries on the side are my go-to for a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This banana bread goes wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially in the morning or for a cozy afternoon snack. Pairing it with Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts makes it a quick breakfast or an energizing snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, I’ve served this banana bread sliced and stacked with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit on a platter—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve also toasted slices and topped them with ricotta and a drizzle of maple syrup for something a little fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the leftover banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days. I avoid refrigerating it because the cold air tends to dry out the crumb, which is a bummer.

Freezing

Freezing banana bread is a lifesaver! Once fully cooled, I slice the loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Whenever I want some, I just nuke a slice for about 20 seconds and it tastes fresh and delicious.

Reheating

For reheating, a quick spin in the toaster oven or microwave works great. Just a few seconds bring back the soft, fluffy texture and the aromas fill the kitchen again. I usually toast mine for a minute to get a bit of crisp on the outside while keeping it tender inside.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen bananas for this Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe?

    Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly, but let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This ensures your bread won’t be too wet and maintains its fluffy texture.

  2. How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?

    Use a toothpick and insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter, bake a little longer and check again every 5 minutes.

  3. Can I make this banana bread vegan or dairy-free?

    You can swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture will be slightly different but still tasty and fluffy!

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

    Dense banana bread often happens if you overmix the batter, measure flour incorrectly, or use bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Remember to mix gently and use proper measuring techniques to get that light, fluffy crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe has been a go-to for me whenever I need comfort from the kitchen or a crowd-pleasing snack to share. It’s simple, forgiving, and ridiculously tasty—the kind of recipe you want in your back pocket. Give it a try—I think you’ll love how easy it is to get perfectly light and moist banana bread every time. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be your “go-to” banana bread, too.

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Fluffy Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 15 slices
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Mom’s Best Fluffy “Skinny” Banana Bread is a delicious and lower-calorie twist on the classic banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, a blend of brown and white sugars, and a touch of cinnamon, this recipe yields a moist and fluffy loaf perfect for any time of day. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch without overwhelming the light texture.

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 Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until evenly blended.
  3. Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract, then whisk until all wet ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently whisk until the batter is smooth and just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain fluffiness.
  5. Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you choose to use them, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Warm slices can also be reheated briefly in a toaster or microwave.

Notes

  • Calorie Disclaimer: Nutritional information is based on one slice without nuts. Adding the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans increases the calorie count to approximately 206 calories per slice.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour, which results in dry bread.
  • The Bananas: Use heavily spotted or brown bananas for the best sweetness and moisture. Yellow or green bananas will yield less flavorful bread.
  • Don’t Over-Mix: Mix until the flour disappears to avoid a rubbery texture and keep the bread fluffy.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Slice the cooled loaf, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw by microwaving for 20 seconds.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 179 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 120 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: 55 mg

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