With nuts, without nuts, gluten free! There are numerous ways to enjoy this classic bread and a quick search of Google reflects this truth. To determine our top five banana breads, the MICPA investigated recipes with at least 500 ratings and/or reviews and a score of 4.5 stars or higher.
- The “Best Ever Banana Bread” posted by Rose on AllRecipes. In a ‘nuts optional’ rendition, this recipe calls for pecans instead of the typical walnut. With 2,264 ratings, 1,788 reviews, 314 photos and a solid 5-star rating, this banana bread is just 9 ingredients (10, if you opt for pecans). A solid option for anyone seeking a straight-forward, delicious take on an old classic for those that take their banana bread with or without nuts. Reviewers said:
“WOW! Tastes more like cake than bread! Don't need to change a thing!” -nurseluthor
“This is the only recipe my mother and I use. It is simply the best and even better if you let the bananas get very, very ripe.” -SHARON6
- “EBNB: Extreme Banana Nut Bread.” Another gem from AllRecipes, this banana bread comes with a warning from its poster, SASEIGEL, that cautions: “Hide it from yourself, your spouse, kids, neighbors and contractors who may be downwind until ready to serve.” The bread itself is packed with a cup of chopped walnuts. To compare, the previous recipe recommended only half a cup of optional chopped pecans. This loaf is definitely intended for those that can’t get enough walnuts!
EBNB boasts 2,608 ratings, 2,209 reviews and an overall rating of 4.7 stars. Reviewers said:
“…This IS, by far, the best recipe ever for Banana Nut Bread. I have been baking for years and I don't dish out 5 stars for so-so recipes.” – C Lynn
“I'm a beginner at making things by scratch and cooking, and this recipe is easy and amazing…this is so easy, and such a perfect recipe, you can't go wrong!!!” – Sarah Todd
- The Minimalist Baker presents the “1-Bowl Gluten-Free Banana Bread” with 761 votes and an overall rating of 4.7 stars. Gluten-free recipes can be tricky, and this is certainly more than 9 ingredients, but the extra steps are worth it if there is a gluten allergy afoot among your tasters. Just be sure to use the recommended DIY gluten-free flour from Minimalist Baker. Reviewers said:
“I have probably made this twenty times, as it is a favorite in my house. I usually add raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, flax and chia seeds, and almond extract.” -Christina
“My go-to banana bread recipe since it was posted! Made again today, this time into muffins with chocolate chips and pecans.” -Natalie
- “Flour’s Famous Banana Bread” by Joanne Chang, published by Food Network, is a recipe for those looking to take it up a notch. With over 878 reviews and an overall rating of 4.8, this recipe calls for some interesting ingredients in addition to the norm, including baker’s choice between sour cream or crème fraiche. Talk about fancy. Reviewers said:
“So, I’ve made this recipe 3 times in the last two weeks. First time I made it; it was gone the first day. Now, I’m sharing it with my distant family during our COVID lockdown. Yummy.” -Theresa E.
“The best banana bread ever! I use toasted pecans and chocolate chips. I've now made this 3 times in the past 2 months and practically eaten the entire thing every time as it has become a pregnancy craving. Like others, I find it takes longer than an hour to bake depending on the size of the bananas.” -Alice Steinmeyer
- Last, but not least, founder and CEO of food blog The Salty Marshmallow Nichole has her own “Best Banana Bread” recipe that is short, sweet and among the highest rated. With a near perfect 5-star rating and 969 votes, it includes tips for getting the moistest results, ingredient substitutions, additions and notes on how to freeze. This recipe also boasts the fewest calories per slice. Reviewers said:
Do you have a family recipe to share, or did you try one of our top 5? Post a picture to social media and tag the #MICPA to join our celebration of National Banana Bread Day!