My mother used to bake banana bread every weekend, but what I love most in her version is the balance between sweetness and texture, and how the bread stays moist for days. Watching her carefully mash the bananas and fold the ingredients gently taught me that a little patience in baking makes all the difference, and the aroma filling the kitchen is simply unmatched. The Lion House Banana Bread recipe is a classic favorite for many families, and for good reason. It’s soft, flavorful, and slightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla that makes it irresistible. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert.

I have tried countless banana bread recipes over the years, but I use this Lion House version every time because it’s reliable, forgiving, and produces a tender loaf every single time. Always make sure your bananas are ripe and soft; that’s the secret to a natural sweetness that doesn’t need too much sugar.

You can serve this banana bread warm, fresh out of the oven, with a pat of butter that melts into every slice. Some people love it with cream cheese spread or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. It’s also delicious paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a versatile treat for any time of the day.

Its Perfect For:

• Breakfast at home when you want something quick and satisfying.
• Snack time for kids or adults craving something sweet and soft.
• Afternoon tea or coffee gatherings with friends.
• Dessert after a family meal, served warm with butter.
• Holiday baking or potlucks because it’s easy to share.

Ingredients

• 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
• Fork or potato masher for mashing bananas.
• Whisk or spoon for mixing wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• Oven for baking.
• Wire rack for cooling the bread evenly.

How to Make Lion House Banana Bread

Step 1

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Slightly chunky texture is fine if you like a more rustic bread feel.

Step 3

Combine wet ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas, followed by the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4

Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture and mix well. Gradually fold in the flour, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so fold gently. If desired, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Step 5

Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the top—if it starts browning too fast, lightly cover with foil.

Step 6

Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Best Lion House Banana Bread

• Choose very ripe bananas: The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Fold ingredients gently to keep the bread soft and tender.
• Use room temperature butter and egg: This helps the ingredients blend smoothly for even texture.
• Check your oven temperature: Too hot can brown the bread quickly outside and leave it raw inside.
• Add mix-ins at the end: Nuts or chocolate chips should be folded in gently to prevent sinking.
• Cool the bread before slicing: This ensures each slice holds together and doesn’t crumble.
• Store properly: Keep wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container to maintain freshness for days.

Optional Ingredients

• Chopped walnuts for crunch.
• Chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Cinnamon for extra warmth in flavor.
• Nutmeg to enhance the aroma and taste.
• Honey or maple syrup to replace some sugar for natural sweetness.

How to Serve Lion House Banana Bread

I love serving this banana bread slightly warm, straight from the oven, with a pat of butter that melts into each slice. The warmth brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas and makes the bread soft and comforting. I often enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee or tea, which turns a simple snack into a little moment of indulgence.

I also enjoy serving it chilled, spread with cream cheese, peanut butter, or even a layer of Nutella. The cold bread offers a different texture—slightly denser—but the flavors are just as delightful. I sometimes cut it into small squares for a brunch tray or afternoon tea, and everyone seems to love the balance of sweetness and softness.

For dessert, I like to drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce on top and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm bread, smooth ice cream, and sweet sauce makes it feel extra special. No matter how I serve it, this Lion House Banana Bread always disappears quickly, and it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on my own as a comforting treat.

Is Lion House Banana Bread Healthy?

In moderation, yes. It uses natural sweetness from bananas, which provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Compared to other sweet breads, it doesn’t require much added sugar, making it a better option for a quick breakfast or snack.

However, it’s still a treat, so portion control matters. Using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or adding healthy mix-ins like nuts can make it a more nutritious option. The bread is a comforting balance between indulgence and simple wholesome ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Banana Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and bake a few extra minutes; the texture is slightly different but still delicious.
• Vegan Banana Bread: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with a flax egg; the bread remains moist and sweet.
• Chocolate Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist.
• Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter or swirl cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Banana Coconut Bread: Mix 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical aroma.
• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a lighter sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. This preserves moisture and flavor beautifully.

To reheat, slice your desired portion and place it in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–30 seconds. For a fresh-baked feel, warm the slices slightly and serve with a bit of butter or your favorite spread. This revives the bread and enhances the flavor, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About  Lion House Banana Bread

Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread because they are naturally sweeter and mash easily. The browner they are, the more flavor they add to the loaf.

Do I have to add nuts?
No, nuts are completely optional. You can leave them out, or swap them for chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for extra texture.

Can I make this bread vegan?
Absolutely. Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax or chia egg. The bread will stay moist and flavorful without any animal products.

How long does it keep fresh?
At room temperature, keep it in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Freezing extends freshness up to 3 months if wrapped tightly in plastic and foil.

Lion House Banana Bread Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

This Lion House Banana Bread is soft, moist, and naturally sweet. Made with ripe bananas, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Simple, comforting, and delicious!

Ingredients

• 3–4 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/3 cup melted butter

• 3/4 cup sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Slightly chunky texture is fine if you like a more rustic bread feel.
• Combine wet ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas, followed by the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, creamy mixture.
• Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture and mix well. Gradually fold in the flour, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so fold gently. If desired, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the top—if it starts browning too fast, lightly cover with foil.
• Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.