Discover the best Banana Bread recipe, offering a perfect blend of rich banana flavor and an incredibly soft, tender texture. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bread stays wonderfully moist and is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Whether you’re baking for family or friends or simply treating yourself, this banana bread will become your go-to recipe for a delicious homemade treat!
Table of Contents
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 1 hr | 1 hr 15 mins | 12 | 1 (9×5-inch) loaf |
Ingredients for Banana Bread
You probably already have most of the ingredients for this banana bread recipe in your kitchen. If not, make sure to add these to your shopping list:
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for the loaf.
- Baking Soda: This acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors without making the bread taste salty.
- Butter: A stick of butter adds richness, moisture, and an unbeatable flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and a touch of warmth to the bread.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and creating the right texture.
- Bananas: The star of the show! Opt for overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
How to Prepare Banana Bread
Making banana bread is a delightful and rewarding process that can fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Below is an overview of the steps you’ll take to whip up this easy and delicious treat. For the detailed, step-by-step instructions, refer to the sections below:
Pour and Bake: Finally, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Ensure that it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake according to your recipe’s instructions. Keep an eye on it, and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gather all your dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, and salt. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This step is crucial because it helps create a consistent texture in your banana bread.
Cream together the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar, creaming them together until light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the batter, aiding in the rise of the bread. Next, add the eggs individually, ensuring they mix thoroughly after each addition. Finally, fold in the mashed bananas, adding moisture and flavor to the mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once your wet ingredients are well-blended, carefully add them to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir the mixture gently until just combined; it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so mix until you no longer see dry flour.
Tips for Moist Banana Bread
This banana bread stays wonderfully moist thanks to the butter, eggs, and brown sugar (which retains more moisture than regular sugar). The mashed bananas themselves also contribute a lot of natural moisture. To keep your bread moist for several days, be sure to store it properly in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.
Baking Time for Banana Bread
Bake your banana bread in a 350°F preheated oven for about an hour. It’s considered done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a reliable method of checking for doneness, ensuring that your dish is thoroughly cooked. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to keep it intact.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas
Directions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs and mashed bananas, stirring until fully blended. Slowly fold the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Greasing the pan is key to ensuring the loaf bakes evenly and easily releases once done.
Step 3:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips from the Test Kitchen:
“I have a strong appreciation for classic, no-fuss banana bread. Something timeless about this recipe makes it a favorite in many households. If you’re looking to bake the perfect loaf, here are some expert tips and tricks that will elevate your banana bread to new heights:
Choose the Right Bananas:
When it comes to bananas, selecting the right ones for your bread is essential. Avoid green bananas, as they lack the sweetness and flavor needed for a delicious loaf. Instead, opt for fully ripe bananas—look for yellow with a few brown spots. These brown spots indicate that the bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, contributing to a richer taste in your banana bread.
Best Way to Mash Bananas:
The most effective tool for mashing bananas is a simple fork. Using a fork allows you to quickly achieve the perfect consistency—smooth enough to blend well with the other ingredients but still leaving a few small chunks for texture. This method is not only fast but also ensures that you don’t over-mash the bananas, which can lead to a uniform texture that lacks the delightful bites of banana in your bread.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
conclusion
In conclusion, irresistibly moist banana bread is the perfect blend of rich banana flavor and soft, tender texture. Its unbeatable moisture and delightful sweetness make it a crowd-pleasing treat ideal for any occasion. Whether fresh or toasted, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!