Type banana bread recipe into google and you will quickly find, that the amount of recipes is overwhelming. And when you want to bake something that will make people talk about your recipe for a long time to come, you want to choose the best of the best.
This is why I have spent my weekend baking the top rated Banana Bread recipes on the web to find which recipe is the best and see If I can combine them to create the Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe or… Frankensteins monster. In today’s post you will find out everything you ever wanted (or didnt) to know about banana bread and see how the top 3 bakers on the web stack up against each other. So with no further delay, let’s get right into it.
About Banana Bread
The History of Banana Bread
Banana Bread or Banana Loaf as we know it today, became popular in the 1930’s during the great depression. During a time where food and resources were scarce, wasting food was not an option. Overripe bananas were often used in baking to avoid wastage. Companies like Chiquita and Pillsbury published banana bread recipes to promote their products and further popularise the dish.
Banana bread is a delightful type of quick bread made using mashed bananas as its primary ingredient. Unlike traditional bread that requires yeast and time to rise, banana bread uses baking soda or baking powder for leavening, making it easy and quick to prepare.
Why is Banana Bread So Tasty?
- Sweetness of Bananas: Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a rich, fruity flavor that infuses the entire loaf.
- Moist Texture: The bananas add moisture, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.
- Versatility: It can be easily customised with various add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- The baking process fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that is irresistible.
Banana bread is a comforting and versatile treat, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, loved by both children and adults alike. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a timeless favourite in many households. It can also be adapted to be healthier and gluten free.
Comparing the Recipes
The Contenders
When I started my Urban Treats, I was inspired by many food blogs, chefs and YouTubers. Todays contenders have all been part of my inspiration. They are amazing food blogs with tasty recipes so a little disclaimer, all three recipes are great and all three contenders deserve a bookmark in your favourites. That being said, we are looking for THE BEST so who are the contenders?
Sally’s Baking Addiction hardly needs an introduction, Sally’s blog is a treasure trove of detailed, foolproof baking recipes that never fail to impress.
Natasha’s Kitchen offers a delightful mix of traditional recipes and engaging video tutorials that make cooking feel effortless and fun.
Budget Bytes is my go-to for budget-friendly, delicious recipes that make every penny count.
These blogs are inspirational, and their amazing banana bread recipes hold a special place in my heart.
Ingredient Analysis
Let’s dive into the heart of our analysis: the ingredients. While many aspects of these recipes are similar, there are unique differences that make each one special. We’ll look closely at the amounts of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter used in each recipe. This comparison will help us understand how these variations impact the flavor, texture, and overall experience of the banana bread. By blending these differences, we can create a truly exceptional recipe that brings together the best of each one.
| Ingredient | Budget Bytes | Natasha’s Kitchen | Sally’s Baking Addiction | Difference in Measurements | Effect of Difference |
| All-purpose flour | 1.5 cups | 2 cups | 2 cups | Budget Bytes uses 0.5 cups less flour | Less flour makes a lighter, more delicate texture |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | 3/4 cup packed brown sugar | Natasha’s Kitchen uses 1/4 cup more sugar | More sugar increases sweetness |
| Eggs | 2 large | 2 large | 2 large | No difference | No difference |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (melted) | 1/2 cup (melted) | 1/2 cup (melted) | Budget Bytes uses 1/4 cup less butter | Less butter results in a less rich taste |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | No difference | No difference |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon | No difference | No difference |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | Not used | 1 teaspoon | Natasha’s Kitchen does not use cinnamon | No cinnamon results in a less spiced flavor |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon | Not used | Not used | Only Budget Bytes uses nutmeg | Nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor |
| Ripe bananas | 4 large | 4 large | 4 large | No difference | No difference |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | No difference | No difference |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | Not used | Not used | 1/4 cup | Only Sally’s Baking Addiction uses this | Adds extra moisture and tanginess |
| Optional add-ins | Not specified | 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips | Not specified | Natasha’s Kitchen suggests optional add-ins | Adds crunchiness or additional flavor options |
In comparing the three banana bread recipes from Budget Bytes, Natasha’s Kitchen, and Sally’s Baking Addiction, we discovered some interesting differences and similarities. Budget Bytes uses less flour and butter, creating a lighter but less rich bread. Natasha’s Kitchen adds more sugar for extra sweetness and suggests delicious add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Sally’s Baking Addiction includes Greek yogurt or sour cream, providing extra moisture and a slight tanginess, while opting for brown sugar to deepen the flavor.
Baking Method & Process
I have carefully compared all three recipes, they all use very similar basic baking methods. Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients, avoiding over mixing and baking between 55 and 75 minutes. All three recipes suggest cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack which makes perfect sense to avoid breaking the cake or sinking through the wire rack.
All in all, the methods can be considered the same!
Testing The Recipes
Now that we have carefully analysed and compared the recipes, it is time to put them to the test. To test the recipes, I will bake each Banana Bread according to the instructions and ingredients. Each recipe will be compared and scored followed by a blind test (of my family) The testing criteria is as follows:
Test Criteria
- Texture: Moisture Level, Crumb Structure & Density
- Flavour: Sweetness, Banana Flavour & Richness
- Appearance: Colour, Rise & Shape
- Ease of Recipe: Preperation Time & Clarity of Instructions
I have not included ingredient cost as criteria for this, its purely based on flavour and looks, I have compared the ingredient prices based on current supermarket prices. Budget bites is indeed the lowest budget recipe although only by 0.48
Cost Comparison
| Recipe | Total Cost (without add-ins) | Total Cost (with add-ins) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Bytes | $2.21 | N/A |
| Natasha’s Kitchen | $2.69 | $3.69 |
| Sally’s Baking Addiction | $3.39 | N/A |
Scoring System
Each criteria is scored on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the worst and 10 the highest. I will then average the score across all criteria to determine which recipe performs the best overall.
The Winner
After spending the weekend of testing all three recipes, we have finally come to a conclusion.
Before I announce the analysis and thus the winner, I want to say that each recipe was great in its own way. I had a lot of fun baking the Banana Bread and making this analysis and choosing a winner was not as easy as I thought it would be so with no further ado, here is the outcome of our test.
| Recipe | Texture | Flavor | Appearance | Ease of Recipe | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sally’s Baking Addiction | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8.5 |
| Natasha’s Kitchen | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.0 |
| Budget Bytes | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7.5 |
Nr 1: Sallys Baking Addiction 8.5
Sally’s Banana Bread checks all the boxes, the Greek Yoghurt contributes to the moist and tender crumb really enhancing the texture. The brown sugar adds a depth of flavour compared to regular sugar and the cinnamon provides a warm spiced flavour that really compliments the banana flavour.
The instructions are detailed and thorough making it really easy to follow the recipe. While all three recipes offer delicious banana bread, Sally’s Baking Addiction provides the most balanced, flavorful, and consistently praised option. Its combination of brown sugar, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and spices sets it apart, making it the top choice for creating the ultimate banana bread.
Find the Recipe here: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-banana-bread-recipe/
Nr2: Natasha’s Kitchen 8.0
Natasha’s Kitchen offers a traditional banana bread recipe that delivers a moist and tender loaf. The balance of ingredients, including the generous use of ripe bananas and melted butter, ensures a rich and flavorful bread. The recipe’s simplicity is enhanced by the option to add walnuts or chocolate chips, providing extra texture and bursts of flavor.
The clear and straightforward instructions, accompanied by a helpful video tutorial, make this recipe easy to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. While all three recipes are delightful, Natasha’s Kitchen stands out for its approachable, classic approach and the flexibility to customize with optional add-ins. This makes it a solid choice for those who enjoy a straightforward, flavorful banana bread. It ranks second because, although it’s well-rounded and easy to make, it doesn’t have the additional moistness and depth of flavor that Greek yogurt or brown sugar provide in Sally’s recipe.
Find the Recipe here: https://natashaskitchen.com/banana-bread-recipe-video/
Nr 3: Budget Bytes 7.5
Budget Bytes is the go-to recipe for a quick, budget-friendly banana bread that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The use of basic, pantry-staple ingredients ensures that this recipe is both accessible and economical. Despite its simplicity, the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, spiced undertone that complements the sweetness of the bananas perfectly.
The recipe’s instructions are concise and easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free baking experience. While all three recipes produce delicious results, Budget Bytes excels in its straightforward, no-frills approach that delivers a tasty and satisfying banana bread with minimal effort and cost. This makes it ideal for those who want a quick and easy treat without sacrificing flavor. It ranks third because, although it is the easiest to prepare and very cost-effective, it lacks the richness and complex flavors found in the other two recipes, especially with the reduced butter content and absence of unique moistening ingredients like Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Find the Recipe Here: https://www.budgetbytes.com/homemade-banana-bread/
Whats Next?
Next week I will try to combine the best elements of all three recipes and create a hybrid which offers the best of all sides. I am also adding some tips and tricks from my 7 Secret Ingredients for Better Baking You Need to Know and see how they work out. Thank you for reading, keep tuned in and dont forget to leave all your questions, ideas and notes in the comments. Until next time, Roman 🙂