Easy Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Experience a delicate, bakery-style banana bread that’s wonderfully moist, tender, and brimming with natural sweetness from overripe bananas. Ideal for a comforting breakfast, a leisurely weekend brunch, or an energizing midday snack, this classic treat brings warmth and flavor to your table. Follow these clear, simple steps to achieve a loaf that’s sure to impress.
Preparation time: .
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring even coverage.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until creamy, then stir in the melted butter for a rich, buttery base.
- Blend in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated.
- Carefully pour the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes at 350°F (175°C), checking for doneness with a tester inserted into the center.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the bread rest in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure a clean, moist cut.
Ingredients
| 3 to 4 | Very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth |
| 1/3 cup | Unsalted butter, melted |
| 1 teaspoon | Baking soda |
| Pinch | Salt |
| 3/4 cup | Granulated sugar (adjust sweetness as desired) |
| 1 | Large egg, lightly beaten |
| 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla extract |
| 1 1/2 cups | All-purpose flour |
No. servings: 8
Appliances for Banana Bread
Oven
A reliable oven ensures even, consistent heat so your banana bread emerges tender and perfectly baked every time.
Mixing Bowls
Multiple mixing bowls keep your ingredients organized, making the blending process smooth and efficient.
Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk
Whether powered or manual, a whisking tool helps you seamlessly incorporate ingredients for a uniform, fluffy batter.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements set the foundation for a successful bake, ensuring perfect texture and flavor balance.
Spatula
A spatula helps you scrape down the bowl’s sides and transfer your banana bread batter cleanly into the loaf pan.
Loaf Pan
The right loaf pan shapes your banana bread and ensures easy release after baking and cooling.
Cooling Rack
A cooling rack supports proper airflow around your loaf, preserving its delicate crumb and preventing sogginess.
Toothpick or Cake Tester
Use a simple toothpick to test doneness, ensuring your bread is baked through without drying out.
Knife
A quality knife lets you slice through your cooled banana bread smoothly, presenting neat, tempting portions.
Gallery
FAQ
How to store banana bread?
Wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, store it in the refrigerator for about a week. To enjoy it longer, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed to maintain that soft, just-baked taste.
How long is banana bread good for?
When stored properly, banana bread remains fresh at room temperature for roughly three days. In the fridge, it can last up to a week, and if frozen, slices can retain their quality for up to three months. Keep it well-wrapped and reheat gently for best results.
How ripe is too ripe for banana bread?
Overripe bananas that are deeply speckled or mostly brown are perfect. If they’re excessively black, mushy, or have any off smells, discard them. Ideally, choose bananas that feel very soft and fragrant for optimal sweetness and moisture.
How to make moist banana bread?
Use deeply ripened bananas and avoid overmixing the batter. Consider adding a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture. Baking just until a tester emerges clean helps preserve a tender, moist interior. Proper cooling completes the process.
How long to cook banana bread?
Generally, banana bread bakes fully in about 60 to 75 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on the loaf’s center and test it with a toothpick. Remove the bread when the tester comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
How long to let banana bread cool?
Allow your loaf to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool entirely to lock in moisture and create clean, even slices. This patience ensures a satisfying texture and easier slicing.
How to tell if banana bread is done?
Check the center of the loaf with a clean toothpick. If it emerges clean or with minimal crumbs, your bread is done. The top should be a warm, golden hue, and the edges should gently pull away from the pan.
How long to bake banana bread at 350?
Bake your banana bread at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 60 to 75 minutes. The exact time may vary by oven, so rely on the toothpick test to confirm doneness without overbaking.
How many calories in banana bread?
An average one-inch-thick slice typically ranges between 200 and 250 calories, though nutritional values vary with ingredient choices. Adjust sugar or add-ins to suit dietary preferences.
How to make banana bread without baking soda or baking powder?
Substitute self-rising flour, which includes leavening agents, to create banana bread without additional baking soda or powder. The loaf may be slightly denser, but it still delivers wonderful flavor.
What kind of nuts go in banana bread?
Walnuts and pecans are popular favorites, adding subtle crunch and earthy richness. Feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamias to discover your signature texture and taste.
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