Table of Contents
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Summary:
This easy Banana Bread Recipe is the ultimate solution for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. With a perfectly moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and a hint of vanilla, this classic banana bread is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. Its simplicity makes it accessible even for beginner bakers, while its rich taste keeps it a staple for seasoned cooks. This detailed guide walks you through every step to ensure your banana bread comes out perfectly every time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: 210 per slice
- Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots; this ensures maximum flavor and sweetness.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but if using salted, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For a slightly healthier option, you can substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- 1 large egg, beaten: The egg provides structure and moisture to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is essential for the bread to rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bread; make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips: Add these for extra texture and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips work well.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Lining with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bread out after baking without any sticking. - Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until they are smooth and mostly lump-free. The smoother the bananas, the better the texture of your final bread. Bananas add both moisture and sweetness, which are key to the bread’s flavor and texture. - Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. Next, stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly helps ensure even distribution throughout the bread, leading to a uniform texture and flavor. - Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough bread. If you’re adding any mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage. - Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom of the bread from becoming soggy. Slice and serve once fully cooled for the best texture.
Notes:
- Banana Tips:
The bananas you use should be very ripe; the more brown spots, the better. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes to soften and sweeten them quickly. - Storage:
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making it soggy. - Freezing:
This banana bread freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for unexpected guests. To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven. - Variations:
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, or mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
This Banana Bread Recipe is a versatile and forgiving recipe that adapts well to various add-ins and adjustments, making it easy to tailor to your taste preferences. With minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have, this banana bread is the perfect solution for a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to impress.
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The recipe edited by Chatgpt
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Description
This classic Banana Bread Recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With its moist and tender crumb, this banana bread is bursting with rich banana flavor and a hint of vanilla. It's easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it the best way to use up overripe bananas. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Banana Bread Recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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1-Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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2-Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
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3-Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined.
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4-Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the optional nuts or chocolate chips if using.
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5-Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
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6-Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
