This Banana Bread is the perfect balance of rich, moist texture and bold banana flavor, making it an instant favorite. Using extra ripe bananas, this recipe packs a delicious punch of natural sweetness, creating a loaf that’s irresistibly soft and bursting with taste in every bite.
Whether enjoyed fresh or toasted with a hint of butter, it’s the ultimate comfort treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Tried and loved by family and friends, it’s a recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to bake the best Banana Bread you’ve ever tasted
Banana Bread Ingredients
Flour: Flour provides structure to the Banana Bread, allowing it to hold its shape while staying soft and moist.
Soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise during baking.
Salt: Just a small pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Butter: Butter adds rich flavor, a moist texture, and a nice depth of taste.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a sweet caramelized flavor and warmth, perfect for Banana Bread.
Eggs: They act as a binder, giving the batter a smooth texture and helping the bread rise properly.
Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. They add sweetness and moisture while being the star of this recipe.
How to Make Banana Bread
Here’s a quick guide to making delicious, moist Banana Bread. Follow these simple steps to bake a loaf that’s packed with banana flavor:
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the mashed ripe bananas until well combined.
- Mix it all together: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Enjoy the irresistible aroma and the rich, comforting taste of homemade Banana Bread! Whether enjoyed fresh or toasted with a hint of butter, it’s the ultimate comfort treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. If you’re in the mood for more delectable desserts, check out our rich and creamy cheesecake or our indulgent chocolate cake recipes
Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1/4 tbsp salt
- 115 g melted butter
- 150 g brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when the batter is ready
- Grease a loaf pan (approximately 22 x 12 cm) or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier
2. Prepare the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift 250 g all-purpose flour to avoid lumps and achieve a light texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3. Mix the butter and sugar:
- In another bowl, melt 115 g of butter (in the microwave or on the stovetop) and let it cool slightly.
- Add 150 g brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
4. Add the eggs and bananas:
- Crack 2 eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, whisking after each addition until well incorporated. This ensures a smooth and even texture.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a separate bowl until smooth. The bananas should be very ripe, almost black, for an intense sweet flavor.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using) into the egg, butter, and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour, baking soda, and salt mixture) to the wet mixture (butter, sugar, eggs, bananas), stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Do not overmix: Stir just enough to incorporate the flour. Overmixing will make the bread too dense.
6. Add optional toppings (optional):
- If you'd like to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other toppings, fold them in at this stage (about 100 g). Stir gently to evenly distribute them in the batter.
7. Baking:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread: it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cooling and removal:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the bread to firm up slightly before removing it from the pan.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Notes
Extra Tips:
- For quicker ripe bananas: If your bananas aren't ripe enough, place them in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until the skins turn black.
- Storage: Store the Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQ:
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Let them thaw completely before mashing. They might appear a bit liquidy, but that adds extra moisture to the bread.
2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase fiber content. You can also replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (reduce the liquid slightly in the recipe). You can also reduce the butter and replace part of it with Greek yogurt.
3. Can I add additional ingredients?
Yes! You can personalize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, or even dried fruits. Add about 100 g of your preferred ingredient to the batter just before baking.
4. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor that enhances the taste of Banana Bread. If you use white sugar, the bread will have a lighter flavor.
5. Can I make Banana Bread in mini loaf pans?
Yes, you can use mini loaf pans for Banana Bread. Divide the batter among the mini loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at the same temperature, but reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Is there a Banana Bread recipe without butter?
Yes, you can make Banana Bread without butter by substituting it with oil or Greek yogurt. Use the same amount of oil or yogurt as you would butter. This will result in a slightly different texture but still deliciously moist bread.
7. Can I use applesauce instead of butter in Banana Bread?
Yes, applesauce can replace butter in Banana Bread to make it lower in fat. Use an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for the butter. This will give the bread a lighter texture and a subtle apple flavor.
