Craving something sweet and comforting? This best banana bread recipe is your answer! Bursting with banana flavor and a hint of cinnamon, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for using up overripe bananas, and a delightful treat at any time of day. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this banana bread will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 1 loaf, serving approximately 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
For one serving (1 slice, approximately 1/8 of the loaf):
– Calories: 196
– Protein: 2.2g
– Fat: 7.0g
– Carbohydrates: 32.6g
– Fiber: 1.2g
– Sugars: 15.6g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the flour and stir just until the flour disappears.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, try using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This banana bread is delightful on its own but pairs well with a smear of cream cheese or butter. For a special treat, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
Storage and Reheating
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas will result in less flavor.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread.
- Not preheating the oven can affect baking time and texture.
- Using too much flour can make the bread dry.
- Skipping the cooling step can make the bread crumbly.
Helpful Tips
- Always use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cloves for added warmth.
- Let the bread sit overnight for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Absolutely! You can use applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can add great texture and flavor.
How to make banana bread gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free option.
What should I do if my banana bread is too dense?
This can be due to overmixing; try mixing just until the flour is incorporated next time.
Conclusion
This best banana bread recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. With its moist texture and rich banana flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to make it your own!
Best Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the flour and stir just until the flour disappears.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
