Looking for the best banana bread recipe that’s moist, easy to make, and delicious? This classic banana bread is packed with ripe bananas, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients for Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir just until incorporated. If using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use overripe bananas: The browner, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- For a twist, add 1 tsp of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Banana Bread Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Banana Nut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximately 10 servings):
- Calories: 196
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 2g