Banana bread is a comforting classic, loved by many for its moist texture and rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-make recipe is foolproof and perfect for turning overripe bananas into a delicious loaf. What makes this banana bread special is its simplicity and the ability to use ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 to 4 overripe bananas, mashed
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash the overripe bananas.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then add the flour. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients (per serving, based on 10 slices)

Calories: 275
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 54mg
Sodium: 298mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g

Why Banana Bread is a Favorite

Banana bread has become a staple in households around the world, and for good reason. It’s a great way to make use of overripe bananas, which often sit on the counter a little too long. Instead of tossing them out, turning them into banana bread provides a perfect solution to reduce food waste while creating a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The bread is moist, flavorful, and slightly sweet, making it an ideal comfort food.

Beyond its versatility and convenience, banana bread has a nostalgic feel for many, evoking memories of cozy mornings or gatherings with family. It’s the kind of baked good that can be served with a cup of coffee or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, and it never disappoints.

Ingredients That Make It Special

The key ingredients in this banana bread recipe are simple but essential in achieving the perfect loaf. The use of overripe bananas is crucial because they provide the bread with natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich flavor. As the bananas ripen, their starches break down into sugars, which make the bread sweeter and enhance its taste.

The butter in this recipe ensures that the bread has a rich, moist texture. It’s the perfect fat to create the signature soft crumb of banana bread, while also adding a buttery flavor that complements the bananas. By using both granulated and brown sugar, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and depth of flavor, with the brown sugar contributing a subtle molasses undertone.

The eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together. The vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile, making the banana bread taste even more comforting.

Why This Recipe is Easy to Make

One of the best features of this banana bread recipe is its simplicity. It requires only one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. All you need to do is mash the overripe bananas, add the wet ingredients, and then mix in the dry ingredients. The minimal effort required to make this bread makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need to whip up a quick treat for guests.

Unlike some banana bread recipes that require meticulous measuring and mixing, this one allows you to simply stir everything together, creating a rustic, homemade loaf that’s packed with flavor. This is especially appealing for people who are new to baking or prefer not to spend hours in the kitchen.

The Perfect Texture: Moist and Buttery

Banana bread can sometimes be dense or dry, but with this recipe, the result is a moist, buttery loaf with the perfect crumb. The butter and ripe bananas work together to give the bread a light, tender texture that’s not too heavy. The slightly sweet flavor from the sugars and vanilla extract complements the bananas, while the baking soda ensures the bread rises properly, giving it the right amount of fluff.

This banana bread doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just a loaf pan and a basic oven. Even without a stand mixer or electric beaters, you can achieve a smooth, well-mixed batter by hand. The key is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added, which can lead to a denser texture.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

While this banana bread recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best results every time.

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better your bread will taste. Bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins work best as they provide the most flavor and natural sweetness. If you have bananas that are not quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag.
Do Not Overmix the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, which leads to a dense, chewy bread rather than the light, fluffy texture you want.
Add-ins: While this banana bread is delicious as-is, you can personalize it by adding extras like walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. These can enhance the flavor and texture, making it even more special.
Bake to Perfection: Each oven is different, so be sure to start checking the banana bread after 50 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Let It Cool: Although it may be tempting to cut into your freshly baked banana bread right away, allowing it to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack helps preserve its texture and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve and Store

Banana bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it as a light snack or even a dessert, especially when topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you have leftovers, banana bread stores wonderfully. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, you can freeze slices of banana bread. Just wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion: A Classic for Any Occasion

In conclusion, this banana bread recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving a slice of homemade comfort, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful, and buttery banana bread every time. With minimal ingredients and effort, it’s a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or customized with your favorite mix-ins.

The ease of making this bread in just one bowl, combined with the fact that it’s a hit at any gathering or as an everyday snack, makes this recipe an essential addition to your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread will become your go-to recipe whenever you want to indulge in a comforting homemade treat.

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