Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add the Greek yogurt, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using nuts, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. For an optional bakery-style finish, place a few thin banana slices or extra chopped nuts on top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and banana flavor. Full-fat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt can be used. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the bread dense or chewy. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the final 15–20 minutes of baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cooled bread can also be frozen in individual slices for convenient portions.
