Are you in the mood for a slice of homemade comfort food that's easy to whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry? Banana bread is a timeless classic that everyone loves, and it's simpler to make than you might think. Here, we will guide you through an Easy Banana Bread Recipe that will yield a loaf that's moist, delicious, and packed with the sweet flavor of bananas. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, looking for a quick snack, or just want to utilize those overripe bananas, this recipe is the perfect solution.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
🍌 Note: Overripe bananas are key for adding natural sweetness and moisture to your bread.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until they’re well pureed but still slightly chunky. This step is crucial as it releases the natural sweetness of the bananas.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Then, beat in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is combined and creamy.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently mix in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preheat Oven | Set oven to 350°F, grease pan | Ready to bake |
| 2. Mash Bananas | Mash bananas until smooth with slight chunkiness | Banana puree for sweetness |
| 3. Mix Wet Ingredients | Combine bananas with butter, sugar, egg, vanilla | Moist batter |
| 4. Add Dry Ingredients | Lightly mix in baking soda, salt, and flour | Finished batter |
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps to solidify the loaf and makes slicing easier.
To sum it up, this Easy Banana Bread Recipe combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. You'll find the balance of ingredients creates a delightfully moist and sweet loaf that's perfect for any occasion or even just a cozy afternoon treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of Nutella to personalize your loaf. With just a handful of ingredients and some patience, you can create a bakery-quality treat right in your own kitchen.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
+
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and mash them as directed. The results will be just as delicious, with the added benefit of using bananas that might have gone to waste.
What can I substitute for sugar in this recipe?
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You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for sugar, although you might want to reduce the liquid ingredients slightly to compensate for their liquid content.
How can I store leftover banana bread?
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Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices with parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.
