Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Requires basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.
- Versatility: Enjoy it plain or customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices
- Deliciousness: Produces a moist, tender loaf with an intense banana flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a few dashes of cinnamon
- Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Bananas and Eggs: Stir in the mashed bananas and beaten eggs until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields one 9×5-inch loaf, approximately 10 slices.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 to 50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Banana Nut Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and replace sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread or individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave.
FAQs
What makes banana bread moist?
The moisture in banana bread comes from the ripe bananas, butter, and eggs. Using overripe bananas adds extra moisture and sweetness.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Ensure they are fully thawed and excess liquid is drained before using.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Can I make banana bread muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed, causing too much air to be incorporated, or if the bread is undercooked. Ensure accurate oven temperature and avoid overmixing.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, blueberries or raspberries can be added for a fruity variation. Toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace butter with a plant-based margarine, and substitute each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can reduce the sugar by up to half for a less sweet bread, or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking powder can be used as a substitute; use 2 teaspoons of baking powder in place of 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
How do I prevent add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips from sinking?
Toss them in a small amount of flour before adding to the batter; this helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.
Conclusion
This banana bread recipe is a versatile and delicious way to use overripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it plain or with your favorite mix-ins, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Banana bread
This easy banana bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. The key to its rich banana flavor lies in using very ripe bananas, which enhance the bread’s natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes
- Total Time: American
- Yield: Approximately One 9 1/2" x 5" loaf mrbreakfast.com +31 hour
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a few dashes of cinnamon
Instructions
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a few dashes of cinnamon
Notes
- Using very ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the best flavor and sweetness.
mrbreakfast.com
Monitoring the baking time is essential, as it can vary based on banana ripeness and size.
