Indulge your senses with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread. This banana bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist and delectable loaf, perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a delightful dessert. It’s a timeless treat that marries simplicity with exquisite flavor.
The star of the show is the trio of ripe bananas, their natural sweetness intensifying as they meld with melted butter, creating a luscious base. A touch of vanilla extract adds a fragrant note, while a hint of salt balances the sweetness to perfection.
Banana Bread Recipe
Versatile and beloved, this banana bread is equally at home served plain, slathered with butter, or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, each slice tells a story of simplicity, warmth, and the comforting embrace of homemade goodness. Bake a batch and share the joy of this classic recipe with loved ones – a timeless expression of home and hearth.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. If desired, fold in chopped nuts.
Fill the Loaf Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Slice and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread and savor the deliciousness. It's delightful on its own or with a smear of butter.