Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe

Bake the perfect loaf with Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe—moist, tender, and full of rich banana flavor with a hint of spice. A classic comfort treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread is a timeless favorite that turns simple, overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion.

With a tender crumb, warm spices, and optional toasted pecans for added crunch, this classic recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Moist and Tender – The combination of ripe bananas, melted butter, and buttermilk creates a soft, perfectly moist loaf every time.
• Rich Flavor – Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas for a deeply satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a beginner-friendly recipe with bakery-quality results.
• Customizable – Add toasted pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your personal preferences.
• Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even dessert; it’s a treat the whole family will enjoy.

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, melted – Adds rich, creamy flavor and tender moistness to bread.
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and forms the soft, fluffy loaf.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread without overpowering banana flavor.
• Light brown sugar, lightly packed – Adds subtle caramel notes and extra moisture naturally.
• Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and stay light.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses warm, aromatic spice into every bite.
• Fine salt – Enhances sweetness and balances overall flavor perfectly.
• Freshly grated nutmeg – Adds warm, nutty undertone to the banana bread.
• Toasted pecans, chopped (optional) – Provides crunch and nutty flavor, optional but delicious.
• Large eggs, lightly beaten – Binds ingredients and adds richness to the loaf.
• Buttermilk (or sour cream or yogurt) – Keeps bread moist with tender, soft crumb texture.
• Pure vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and adds deep, aromatic flavor.
• Overripe bananas, mashed – Natural sweetness and moisture for soft, flavorful bread.

How To Make Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe

Step One: Set your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and toasted pecans (if using).

Step Three: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, buttermilk (or sour cream/yogurt), vanilla extract, and mashed overripe bananas. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step Four: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy for a tender, moist loaf.

Step Five: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas – The riper, the better; they add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix – Fold wet and dry ingredients gently; a few lumps are okay to keep the bread tender.
• Toast the pecans – Brings out their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Let it cool properly – Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for even texture.
• Store correctly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze for longer storage.
• Optional add-ins – Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can personalize the loaf.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store Ina Garten’s Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can dry out the loaf.
• Freezing: Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a soft, freshly baked feel. Alternatively, toast slices in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes for a slightly crisp exterior.

Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe Faqs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes! You can substitute regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess.

Can I make this recipe nut-free? Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you still want some crunch.

How ripe should the bananas be? Use bananas that are very soft and heavily spotted or even slightly brown for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I freeze this banana bread? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I prevent the bread from drying out? Avoid overmixing the batter, bake just until a toothpick comes out clean, and store in an airtight container once cooled.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins? Yes! Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or a swirl of peanut butter can be added without affecting the baking time significantly.

How long does it stay fresh at room temperature? It will stay moist and delicious for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins? Yes, reduce baking time to about 20–25 minutes for muffins or 40–45 minutes for mini loaves, checking doneness with a toothpick.

More Ina Garten’s Recipes

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ina Garten Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​