Mark Bittman's Banana Bread

Mark Bittman’s Banana Bread is a timeless classic that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and irresistible flavor. Made with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter, this quick bread gets its signature moistness and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, making it an ideal way to use those spotty ones on your counter. A hint of vanilla and a touch of milk add depth, while optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips elevate the bread with crunchy texture or indulgent bursts of richness. With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour in the oven, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether served warm with a smear of butter or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a must-try for banana bread lovers and home bakers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups Butter
• 2 large Eggs
• 3 medium Ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 0.5 cups Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

Peel and mash the bananas in a separate bowl until smooth, then add them to the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 5

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6

Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1057.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3349.8

Total Fat 184.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 637.9mg	0%
Sodium 2375.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 389.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 200.6g
Protein 57.0g	0%

Vitamin D 112.9IU	0%
Calcium 239.6mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 2177.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 45.1%