Banana bread is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. Whether you have overripe bananas waiting to be used or you’re simply craving something sweet, this moist and flavorful banana bread recipe is your answer. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, moist, and tender. Let’s walk through how to make the best banana bread from scratch!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Preparation
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat 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.
2. Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
4. Add Optional Ingredients
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Healthy Banana Bread: Substitute whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar to ½ cup. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of butter.
- Vegan Banana Bread: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Cooking Note
To enhance the banana flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots. They’re sweeter and more fragrant, which makes the bread more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with Butter: Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter for a classic treat.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a cozy break.
- As a Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Tips
- Storage: Wrap banana bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Banana bread freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prevent Overbaking: Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes to avoid a dry loaf.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
1. How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough?
Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel and a soft texture. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
2. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without compromising too much on flavor. You can also substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
3. Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Conclusion
This banana bread recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a moist, tender crumb and rich banana flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added chocolate chips or nuts, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Bake a loaf today and enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen!