Why Make This Recipe
Banana bread is a comforting and delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. The warm, sweet aroma of baking banana bread fills the kitchen and brings a sense of home. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers.
How to Make Banana Bread
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Bread
Banana bread is best served warm, sliced, and spread with a little butter or cream cheese. You can also enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite nut butter. For a special touch, serve it with sliced strawberries or a drizzle of honey.
How to Store Banana Bread
To keep banana bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For the best quality, banana bread can also be frozen. Just wrap it in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
- Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- If you like a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly.
Variation
You can easily customize banana bread by adding ingredients such as walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?
Yes, frozen bananas work great for banana bread! Just thaw them, drain excess moisture, and mash them before adding to the recipe.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure to use a blend that is suitable for baking.
Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert, made with simple ingredients.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.