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Banana Bread

Banana Bread
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This classic Banana Bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful treat with a tender crumb and just the right sweetness. Featuring simple pantry ingredients and expert baking tips, it guarantees perfect texture and rich banana flavor every time, making it a beloved comfort food ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Ingredients

  • 3–4 ripe bananas (with plenty of brown spots)
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Variations

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty addition)
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or melted chocolate swirl
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for spiced banana bread)
  • Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version
  • Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs; use coconut oil instead of butter for vegan twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Bananas and Preheat Oven: Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly in a bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure easy release.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create an even base.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings throughout the bread.
  4. Gently Fold Ingredients Together: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and mashed bananas to the wet mixture. Fold gently to keep the batter airy and avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
  5. Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the Banana Bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to set and maintain moisture.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness: Use bananas that are heavily spotted or almost fully brown for maximum sweetness and moistness.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense or gummy texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better rise.
  • Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to maintain consistent and accurate baking temperature.
  • Test for Doneness: Check bread 5–10 minutes before baking time ends to prevent overbaking and dryness.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enhance with cream cheese spread, honey drizzle, or sprinkle nuts/chocolate chips on top.
  • Storage: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, classic banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana bread recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/banana-bread/