Banana Bread Recipe

Banana Bread: A Comforting Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This classic recipe is not just a great way to use up overripe bananas; it also produces a moist, flavorful loaf that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert, banana bread is a beloved staple that never goes out of style.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
• Total Time: 75-80 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 180
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 10 grams
• Sodium: 130 mg

Why Make This Banana Bread

Banana bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its sweet, dense texture makes it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Additionally, it can be customized in numerous ways—add nuts for a crunch or chocolate chips for extra sweetness. This recipe is simple, making it an ideal baking project for beginners or a quick, satisfying task for seasoned bakers. When baked to perfection, it provides a delightful balance of sweetness and richness, making it irresistible for anyone who enjoys baked goods.

How to Make Banana Bread

Making banana bread is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm loaf ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the banana bread bakes evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Preparation

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be, so don’t hold back!

Step 3: Mixing

Mix in the melted butter with the mashed bananas until well combined. Then, stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Step 4: Adding Ingredients

Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, mixing until everything is nicely combined. Finally, gently stir in the flour until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Baking

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cooling

Let the bread cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help maintain a moist texture while cooling.

How to Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread is a wonderfully versatile dish. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or spread a little cream cheese on top for extra richness. You can also enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings such as honey, sliced almonds, or fresh fruit. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon indulgence with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing individual slices. Just store them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

• Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for different flavors and textures.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Delicious Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
2. Nutty Banana Bread: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
3. Coconut Banana Bread: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
4. Spiced Banana Bread: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Thaw them first and drain excess moisture for the best results.
• What if I don’t have baking soda? You can use baking powder as a substitute, but double the amount.
• How can I make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, you can decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup if desired, especially if the bananas are very ripe.
• How do I know when the bread is done? The bread should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Banana bread is a simple yet delightful recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen. With its moist texture and sweet, rich flavor, it’s no wonder it’s a beloved family favorite. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving a delicious treat, this banana bread recipe is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the joy of baking—your home will soon be filled with the incredible aroma of homemade banana bread!

Banana Bread

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic, comforting banana bread recipe that’s moist and flavorful, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Mix in the melted butter with the mashed bananas.
4. Stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
6. Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated.
7. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.
8. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg