Banana bread: the reason we let bananas get spotty without guilt. But not all loaves are created equal. I baked and tested five of the internet’s most beloved banana bread recipes to crown one ultimate winner. There were highs, there were disappointments, and there was a lot of crumb. Let’s get into it.

At the end of the day, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches that (in my humble opinion) make Sally’s already-great banana bread even better. Scroll down for my favorite tweaks!

🏆 The Winner: Sally’s Baking Addiction – Best Banana Bread

This loaf is the real deal. Moist (yes, I said it), just the right amount of sweet, and it comes together in one bowl—no mixer, no drama. The texture is soft but holds together beautifully, and it keeps well for days. This is banana bread at its peak form.
👉 Recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-banana-bread-recipe/

1. Food.com – “Best Banana Bread”

This one felt like the internet’s grandma made it, and I mean that in a cozy way. It’s solid, classic, and not too sweet. But it was a little plain compared to Sally’s version—more lunchbox filler than showstopper.
👉 Recipe: https://www.food.com/recipe/best-banana-bread-2886

2. The Salty Marshmallow – Best Banana Bread Recipe

This one brings brown sugar to the table, which gives it a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. It’s dense, rich, and felt a little more cake than bread. Good flavor, but heavy. Great if you’re trying to impress a brunch crowd, maybe not for everyday snacking.
👉 Recipe: https://thesaltymarshmallow.com/best-banana-bread-recipe/

3. Simply Recipes – Banana Bread

Reliable, easy, and quick to throw together. The flavor is nice, especially if you like a straightforward banana hit with minimal extras. It’s a good backup loaf, like the understudy who knows all the lines but doesn’t steal the show.
👉 Recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/

4. Natasha’s Kitchen – Banana Bread

Light, airy, and a little more elegant than your average loaf. The texture was fluffier, and it baked up beautifully. But the flavor didn’t go deep—it was a little too polite, like banana bread trying to be on its best behavior.
👉 Recipe: https://natashaskitchen.com/banana-bread-recipe-video/

📊 Final Rankings

1. Sally’s Baking Addiction – Best Banana Bread 🥇
2. The Salty Marshmallow – Bold, sweet, and dessert-like 🍰
3. Natasha’s Kitchen – Light and pleasant, but not memorable 💁‍♀️
4. Simply Recipes – Classic and easy, but a little plain 📋
5. Food.com – Nostalgic, basic, and best for a safe bet 🧺

💭 Final Thoughts

Sally’s banana bread is the gold standard. It’s everything banana bread should be without trying too hard. If you want to impress guests, devour half a loaf on your own, or finally use up those bananas staring at you from the counter—this is your recipe.

The others each have their strengths, but when it comes to taste, texture, and ease, Sally’s loaf wins by a (golden brown) mile.

My Favorite Tweaks (Because Good Can Always Be Great)

Even though Sally’s recipe is top-tier as written, here are a few personal touches I always add to make it just a little bit better:

• 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract – because more vanilla is always a good idea.
  
• Salted butter instead of unsalted – adds depth and balances the sweetness.
  
• A generous handful of chocolate chips – because banana bread without chocolate is just missed potential.
  

Try it this way and thank me later.