Discover the best banana bread recipe that’s easy, moist, and packed with flavor. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, this classic banana bread recipe features simple ingredients like ripe bananas, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, our step-by-step guide ensures a tender, delicious banana bread loaf every time. Add optional chocolate chips or nuts for extra delight. With tips for perfect baking and storage, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or gifting. Bake a comforting loaf of banana bread that will become a family favorite. Try it today for a slice of homemade bliss!
Table of Contents
Ingredients: Banana Bread Recipe
- 3 large, overripe bananas, mashed to a smooth texture
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted to a silky consistency
- 1/2 cup sugar (brown sugar lends a caramel-like sweetness)
- 1 large egg, whisked lightly
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted to remove any lumps
- Optional: 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or dark chocolate chips for added texture and flavor
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s evenly heated. Lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for a clean release.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth, leaving a few lumps for a more rustic texture. The ripeness of the bananas is crucial; the blacker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the fruit.
- Add the Melted Butter: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until the mixture is creamy and cohesive. The butter adds richness, ensuring a moist and tender loaf.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, whisked egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Blend well. The sugar dissolves, enhancing the banana’s natural sweetness, while the egg binds the ingredients together.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of sea salt evenly over the wet mixture. Slowly fold in the flour, gently mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix—overworking the batter can lead to a denser loaf rather than the desired light crumb.
- Optional Additions: For a delightful crunch or pockets of indulgent sweetness, fold in the toasted walnuts or dark chocolate chips at this stage. These optional ingredients bring texture and surprise to each bite.
- Bake with Care: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it emerges clean or with a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is ready.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the bread set. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into thick, generous pieces, and savor the flavor of fresh banana mingled with warm, buttery undertones.
Helpful Information:
- Choosing the Right Bananas: The success of banana bread often hinges on the bananas. Bananas with deeply speckled, almost black peels are ideal, as they’re naturally sweeter and more fragrant, yielding a loaf with pronounced banana flavor.
- Mixing Technique: When folding in the flour, less is more. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewy texture. Stir until just combined for the lightest crumb.
- Storage Tips: To keep your banana bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in foil and freeze it for up to three months. Simply thaw it on the counter before serving.
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sugars: 14 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
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