Best Banana Bread Recipe

why make this recipe

Banana bread is a beloved classic that is easy to make and perfect for using up overripe bananas. This recipe gives you a moist and flavorful loaf, which is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s a simple and comforting treat that your family and friends will love.

how to make Best Banana Bread

Ingredients :

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two 8×4 bread pans with parchment paper (or grease well with butter or baking spray).
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until they are well mashed (some small bits of banana pieces are fine for texture). Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
  4. Once the butter and sugar are combined, add in the eggs and continue to cream the mixture until well combined.
  5. Next, add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  6. Lastly, add in the mashed bananas and the vanilla extract. Mix until all the bananas are incorporated into the batter.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared bread pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The tops should be puffed and brown, and a cake tester should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Allow the bread to cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pans, then remove the banana bread and allow it to continue cooling on a wire rack. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even cold. A little butter spread on top is a delicious touch!

how to serve Best Banana Bread

Best Banana Bread can be served in many ways. You can slice it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it as it is, or add a bit of butter for extra flavor. It also goes well with cream cheese or a drizzle of honey.

how to store Best Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze banana bread for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Best Banana Bread

  • Use ripe bananas for better flavor; the darker the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be.
  • Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread nice and fluffy.
  • For an added twist, you can fold in some walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

variation

You can experiment with this recipe by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and mash them well before adding them to the batter.

What if I don’t have two loaf pans?
You can bake your bread in one pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness with a cake tester or toothpick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements.

homemade banana bread fresh out of the oven on a wooden cutting board

Best Banana Bread

This classic banana bread recipe is easy to make, moist, and perfect for breakfast or snacks, ideal for using up overripe bananas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Ensure butter is softened for easy blending.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs work best.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3-4 medium bananas (or 2 large bananas) The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8×4 bread pans with parchment paper or grease them well.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until well mashed, leaving some small bits for texture, and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
  • Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture and continue to cream until well combined.
  • Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  • Finally, add in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Baking

  • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared bread pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the tops are puffed and golden brown.
  • Check for doneness with a cake tester; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Cooling and Serving

  • Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.
  • Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold, with a spread of butter if desired.

Notes

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Use ripe bananas for better flavor, and avoid overmixing the batter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g
Keyword Baking, Banana Bread, Comfort Food, Dessert Recipe, Quick Bread
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