Description
This Best Banana Bread Recipe produces a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ripe bananas, butter, eggs, and warming spices, this classic banana bread is easy to prepare and yields a tender, sweet bread with just the right crumb. Optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips add extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Butter
- 3 Large Ripe Bananas
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Melt Butter: Place the stick of butter in a large bowl and microwave for about 1 minute until fully melted.
- Mash Bananas: Add the ripe bananas to the melted butter and mash them thoroughly using a fork until they form a smooth mixture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs into the banana mixture. Use the fork to mash and stir until the eggs are fully combined and no yellow streaks remain.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool completely in the pan before removing it. Slice and enjoy as desired.
Notes
- Substitutions: Avoid almond extract as it overpowers banana flavor. Banana extract can be used but may give a more artificial banana taste.
- Storage: To maintain moisture, cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container or freezer zip bag. Bread keeps 3 days at room temperature, 6 days refrigerated, or up to 2 months frozen.
- Pan Options: Use a standard 9×5 loaf pan for one loaf. Muffin tins can be used for smaller portions; bake muffins for about 25-30 minutes.
- Additions: Optional additions include 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips mixed into the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg