Sheet Pan Banana Bread Recipe

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through my kitchen, especially when it’s loaded with optional goodies like walnuts and chocolate chips for that little extra oomph!

Sheet Pan Banana Bread is our secret weapon for a quick treat. This recipe provides pure comfort, with the mashed, ripe bananas’ lush sweetness, melted butter’s richness, and a touch of warmth from cinnamon.

I love the crunch of walnuts as an optional ingredient and the indulgence of chocolate chips. This makes for a cozy breakfast or snack!

Ingredients

• Bananas: Rich in potassium, provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps to sweeten the bread pleasantly.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help with binding.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base, adds structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, giving rise.
• Walnuts: Offer a crunchy texture and protein (optional).
• Chocolate Chips: Add sweetness and rich flavor (optional).

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and very lightly oil a 9×13 inch rimmed baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a big mixing bowl, join the bananas that have been mashed and the melted butter, mixing them together until they are blended very well.

3. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, and whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips gently.

7. Pour the banana bread batter evenly onto the prepared sheet pan, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Remove from oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

10. Cut the warm or room temperature sheet pan banana bread into pieces and serve. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch rimmed baking pan
3. Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
4. Pastry brush or paper towel (for oiling the pan)
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Medium mixing bowl
7. Whisk
8. Spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Fork or masher (for mashing bananas)
12. Knife (for chopping walnuts, if using)
13. Wire rack
14. Toothpick (for testing doneness)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?Indeed, thawed frozen bananas work quite well. Make sure they are completely thawed and excess moisture drained off before you mash them.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free?For a dairy-free version, switch the unsalted butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?Absolutely, you can use whole wheat flour, but the result may be a denser loaf. So for the best possible outcome, consider a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• What is the best way to mash bananas?To achieve a smooth consistency, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher. For an even smoother blend, use a blender or food processor.
• Can I add more spices for flavor?without a doubt. You can add a dash of nutmeg or ginger. These spices enhance the flavor.
• How should I store leftover banana bread?If you have any leftovers, keep them in a container that won’t let any air in at room temperature for 3 days, or put them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They won’t be good after that.
• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?Indeed, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix made for baking to make it gluten-free.

Sheet Pan Banana Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use either coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of unsalted butter, using the same amount you would for the butter.
Instead of refined sugar, use an equal amount of honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as a sugar alternative.
To render it free of eggs, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed that has been mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water (let this mixture sit for 5 minutes, during which it will thicken).
Use almond flour or oat flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just remember: the texture may change a bit.
In the absence of vanilla extract, you can substitute with an equal amount of almond extract, which will lend a slightly different flavor to whatever you’re making.

Pro Tips

1. Banana Ripeness Use bananas that are very ripe, with brown spots on the peel. This ensures they are sweet and mash easily, adding more natural sweetness and flavor to your banana bread.

2. Texture Enhancement For a moist and tender crumb, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to prevent developing too much gluten.

3. Flavor Boost Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Pan Preparation For easy removal and a clean cut, line the baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang on the sides. This way, you can lift the banana bread out of the pan once it’s cooled.

5. Chocolate Chip Distribution Coat the chocolate chips with a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.