Name: Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486708H2M56S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana bread is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. The overripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also keep the bread incredibly moist. This banana bread is simple to make with minimal prep, and it always yields a delicious result. The recipe can easily be adjusted for extra flavors like chocolate chips, walnuts, or cinnamon, allowing for endless customization. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a comforting, homemade treat, and it’s great for sharing with friends and family. Plus, the smell of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, melty twist.
Nutty Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Banana Bread: For a spiced version, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Banana Coconut Bread: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Whole Wheat Banana Bread: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and extra fiber.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze banana bread for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply slice the banana bread and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast it for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Simply thaw them before using, and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your preference, but keep in mind that the bananas already provide a good amount of sweetness. Try cutting it by 1/4 to 1/2 cup for a less sweet bread.

3. Can I add other fruits to the banana bread?

Yes, you can add other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples. Just be sure to gently fold them into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

4. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) or mashed avocado for a more moist texture.

5. Why is my banana bread dense?

If your banana bread is too dense, it may be overmixed or the baking soda may have been old and ineffective. Try gently mixing the batter and using fresh leavening agents.

6. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but omit the baking soda and salt, as these ingredients are already included in the self-rising flour.

7. How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The banana bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s too wet, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

8. Can I double this banana bread recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two loaf pans or one larger pan. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

9. Can I make this banana bread in a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. How do I prevent banana bread from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, grease the loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour before adding the batter.

Conclusion

Banana bread is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile. With its rich banana flavor and tender crumb, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as an afternoon snack, banana bread is a treat that never disappoints. Feel free to customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own, and enjoy the delightful aroma of banana bread wafting through your kitchen.