Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this mouthwatering banana bread recipe! With its moist and flavorful texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ripe bananas, butter, and sugar creates a rich and indulgent taste that is hard to resist.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this banana bread baking in the oven in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is ideal for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week as a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ripe bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the bread. You can use either unsalted or salted butter based on your preference.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
- Egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds structure to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the bread.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bread that gives it structure and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, baking soda, salt, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist on this classic recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense and tough texture.
- Experiment with different add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, or shredded coconut for unique variations.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy a slice of warm banana bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of creamy butter. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect snack or breakfast.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze slices for longer storage. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick and tasty treat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, thaw frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- How can I make this recipe vegan? Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter.
- Can I add other fruits to this banana bread? Feel free to mix in berries, apples, or even pineapple for a fruity twist.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect banana bread, it’s time to get baking! Whip up a batch of this delicious treat and savor every bite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!
Print
Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious banana bread recipe is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a great treat for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 medium very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup butter, unsalted or salted, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust according to desired sweetness)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add melted butter and mix well. Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar and egg: Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add flour: Gradually add flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg