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- 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/3 cup melted butter - 1 teaspoon baking soda - Pinch of salt - 3/4 cup sugar (or reduce to 1/2 cup for less sweetness) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips You need ripe bananas for this recipe. They should have brown spots. This shows they are sweet and ready to mash. You can use a fork to mash them in a bowl. I prefer them smooth for a nice texture. Then, mix in the melted butter. This adds flavor and moisture. Next, add baking soda and a pinch of salt. The baking soda helps the bread rise. Then, stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients blend to create a sweet and rich flavor. Now it's time for the flour. Use all-purpose flour and fold it into the mixture. Be gentle! Overmixing can make the bread tough. If you want, add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra fun. This simple list of ingredients makes a delicious banana bread. Each item plays a key role in the final taste and texture. You can adjust the sugar to your liking. More sugar means sweeter bread; less sugar makes it less sweet. Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a wonderful loaf to share! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, grab a 4x8 inch loaf pan. Use some butter or oil to grease the pan. This helps the bread slide out easily after baking. Take your ripe bananas and place them in a bowl. Use a fork to mash them until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor! After mashing, pour in the melted butter. Stir until they mix well together. Now, add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mix. Stir it in well. Next, add the sugar, the beaten egg, and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined. Remember, don’t overmix! Overmixing can make the bread tough. It's time to add the flour. Gradually fold it into the banana mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine them. If you want to add walnuts or chocolate chips, now is the time! Fold them in carefully. Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Bake it in the oven for about 60 to 65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! Once baked, take the loaf out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling on the rack helps keep the bread from getting soggy. Wait until it’s cool before slicing and enjoying! To get the best texture in your banana bread, use ripe bananas. They should be soft and spotty. The more ripe, the better the flavor. Next, make sure your butter is melted, but not too hot. This helps blend it well with the bananas. The temperature of your ingredients matters. I suggest letting your egg sit at room temp. Cold eggs can cool down your batter. This can affect how it bakes. The best way to store banana bread is wrapped tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for longer. Banana bread lasts about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. When frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Just slice it first. This makes it easy to grab a piece later. Avoid overmixing the batter. If you mix too much, your bread can be dense. Stir just until the flour disappears. This keeps your banana bread light and fluffy. Watch your baking time closely. Ovens can vary in heat. Start checking for doneness at 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it's not done, keep baking and check every 5 minutes. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until the flour is combined to keep your banana bread light and fluffy. Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread at the 60-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean when it's done. Cool Properly: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of banana bread. Adding spices can make it special. Try 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can offer a nice crunch. Get creative with what you like! Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. For vegan banana bread, replace the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. You can also use mashed flaxseed mixed with water as an egg substitute. If you want less sugar, cut it down to 1/2 cup. You can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives. These swaps help fit different diets while keeping the taste great. Serving banana bread can be fun! Slice it thick and serve warm with butter. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or cream cheese. For added crunch, top the bread with oats or chopped nuts before baking. This gives a nice texture and looks lovely too. Enjoy your banana bread in style! To check if your banana bread is done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it has batter on it, bake a bit longer. The edges may brown slightly, but the top should be golden. This means your bread is nice and fluffy. Yes, you can freeze banana bread! Here’s how: - Let the bread cool completely. - Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. - Place it in a freezer bag or container. - Label it with the date. To thaw, take it out and leave it at room temperature. You can also warm it in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste. Overripe bananas are great for many recipes! You can: - Make smoothies. - Bake banana pancakes. - Create banana muffins. - Cook banana oatmeal. These options let you enjoy the sweetness of ripe bananas without waste. To improve moisture in your banana bread, try these tips: - Use very ripe bananas; the riper, the better! - Add an extra egg for richness. - Mix in yogurt or sour cream for creaminess. - Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps it light. These steps will help you bake a soft and moist loaf every time! This blog post shared a simple way to make banana bread. You now know the ingredients, steps, and tips to create the perfect loaf. Keep in mind the right mixing and baking times for the best results. Experiment with flavors and modifications to make it your own. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will help you create a delicious treat. Enjoy your tasty banana bread and share it with friends!

Foolproof Classic Banana Bread

A simple and delicious banana bread recipe that is perfect for using up ripe bananas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
  • Mix in the baking soda and salt.
  • Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until incorporated.
  • Gradually add the flour to the banana mixture, gently folding it in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This is key to a light banana bread.
  • If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, you can sprinkle the top with oats or nuts before baking for a crunchy topping!
Keyword banana bread, dessert, quick bread