Banana Bread Recipe
A moist and tender Banana Bread Recipe made with ripe bananas for a naturally sweet and comforting loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (or ½ cup oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt optional for added moisture
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In one bowl, mash the ripe bananas, then stir in melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. If using sour cream or yogurt, fold it in as well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just blended; overmixing can cause a dense loaf.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your moist banana bread.
Notes
-
Banana Ripeness
From my kitchen tests, using bananas with brown speckles on the peel brings out natural sweetness and a smoother texture. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, place them in a paper bag for a day or two, or gently roast them in a low oven to help release extra sweetness. -
Texture Tips
Key tip: avoid overmixing the batter once the flour goes in; too much stirring can create a tougher loaf. Stir just until there are no visible streaks of dry ingredients. -
Sweetness Adjustments
If you want a milder taste, reduce brown sugar slightly. For a rich flavor pairing idea, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mix. -
Storage Solution
To keep your banana bread moist longer, wrap it in plastic and store it on the counter for up to four days. A meal prep advice: slice and freeze individual portions—perfect for quick breakfasts. -
Serving Suggestions
Warm slices make an excellent base for peanut butter or jam. Presentation idea: garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if serving as a sweet treat.