Banana Bread
A delightful and comforting banana bread recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas Make sure they’re spotty; the riper, the sweeter!
- 1/3 cup melted butter Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the bread rise perfectly.
- 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup sugar Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- 1 large egg Can be substituted for flaxseed for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Basic foundation for your bread.
Optional add-ins
- chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit For a fun twist!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation starts here!
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
- Mix in the melted butter and stir until well combined.
- Add the baking soda and salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the flour until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- If using, fold in any add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a buttered loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blends. Allow the banana bread to rest for a few hours to enhance the flavor.