Banana Bread is a classic, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It’s simple to make, and the ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Here’s a delicious and easy recipe to make your own homemade banana bread!
Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (white or brown sugar works)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the bananas:
- Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your texture preference.
-
Mix the wet ingredients:
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Then, mix in the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
-
Add the flour:
- Gradually add the flour to the banana mixture, stirring just until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense bread.
-
Optional add-ins:
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
-
Bake the bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs). If the top is getting too brown, you can tent the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
-
Cool and serve:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread:
- Ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect for banana bread because they’re sweeter and more flavorful.
- Mix-ins: You can get creative with your add-ins! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts, or even dried fruit like raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Moisture: For a moist loaf, be sure not to overmix the batter. Just stir until everything is incorporated.
- Freezing banana bread: If you have leftovers, banana bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
Banana Bread is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and enjoy a delicious treat. It’s soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor, making it a classic favorite. Enjoy your fresh homemade banana bread! 😊