Banana Bread Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Banana bread is a comforting and delicious treat that many people love. It is a fantastic way to use overripe bananas, turning them into a moist and flavorful loaf. This banana bread recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

How to Make Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients, ensuring bananas are well overripened, brown, and speckled.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for a hot baking environment.
3. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth, with a few small lumps remaining.
4. Stir in the melted butter until well combined with the banana mixture.
5. Add baking soda and a pinch of salt, stirring well to incorporate into the mixture.
6. Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
7. Gently fold in the flour, being careful not to overmix the batter.
8. Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan, smoothing the top.
9. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the batter.
10. Place the pan in the preheated oven and set a timer for 60 minutes.
11. Check for doneness after 50 minutes using a toothpick in the center.
12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread can be served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter on top for extra flavor. It also pairs well with coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store Banana Bread

To store banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to slice it before freezing for easier thawing.

Tips to Make Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas, as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
• Do not overmix the batter; this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
• Experiment with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for a fun twist.
• If you want a softer crust, cover the bread with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Variations

You can customize your banana bread by adding ingredients such as walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter. For a chocolatey delight, add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. How can I make banana bread gluten-free?
To make gluten-free banana bread, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend for best results.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use two loaf pans and keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a bit longer for both loaves to bake through.

Banana Bread

A comforting and delicious banana bread recipe perfect for using overripe bananas, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 1 loaf

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 pieces ripe bananas Ensure they are well overripened, brown, and speckled.
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg Beaten.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Method

 

Preparation

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth with a few small lumps remaining.
4. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
5. Add baking soda and a pinch of salt, stirring to incorporate.
6. Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
7. Gently fold in the flour, being careful not to overmix.
8. Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.
9. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top.

Baking

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes.
2. Check for doneness after 50 minutes using a toothpick in the center.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, or with butter, coffee, or tea. Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or peanut butter.