Banana bread is a classic baked treat loved by people of all ages.
Its moist texture, delicious flavor, and the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen make it a go-to recipe for many home bakers.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make banana bread or improve your existing recipe, you’re in the right place.
In this recipe, we will take you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect banana bread that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork for this.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in a dense bread.
- If you want to add any optional mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that baking times may vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After the initial cooling period, transfer the bread from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures that the bread retains its moisture and doesn’t become soggy.
Tips for a Perfect Banana Bread:
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even completely brown peels.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough and dense bread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative and add your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. They add texture and flavor to the bread.
- To ensure your bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter clinging to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
- Storage: Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
