Banana Bread Recipe: A Delicious, Moist, and Simple Treat
Banana bread is one of those timeless recipes that feels like home. It’s comforting, easy to make, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this simple banana bread recipe is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a moist and flavorful banana bread, share a few extra tips to make it perfect, and offer helpful storage and serving advice. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Perfect Banana Bread
To make this banana bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated or brown)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or any milk you prefer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
Take your ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl with a fork or potato masher. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas, which will give your banana bread that delicious flavor.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. You can use an electric mixer for this, or do it by hand if you prefer a more rustic approach. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are combined, add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
6. Combine with the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense loaf.
7. Add the Mashed Bananas and Milk
Now, fold in the mashed bananas and milk. Stir gently until everything is well mixed, but again, avoid overmixing.
8. Bake Your Banana Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it’s even. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
9. Let It Cool
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- Banana Ripeness: The key to a flavorful banana bread is using ripe bananas. They should have brown spots on the skin, as this will bring out the natural sweetness in the bread.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins to the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make your bread tough, so stir until the ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 60-70 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including cooling time)
This recipe yields one loaf of banana bread, which typically serves about 8-10 slices, depending on how thick you slice it. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner.
Storage Instructions
Banana bread is wonderfully versatile in terms of storage. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature: Wrap your banana bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your banana bread for a longer time, you can freeze it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Each slice of this banana bread contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
This is a rough estimate, and actual values may vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread
- Use Butter for a Rich Flavor: While you can substitute with oil, butter gives the banana bread a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Don’t Skip the Milk: Adding a bit of milk makes the bread extra moist. If you prefer, you can use a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
- Let It Sit: The bread will taste even better the day after it’s baked, as the flavors have time to meld together. It’s perfect for making ahead for breakfast or snacks.
How to Serve Banana Bread
Banana bread is best served fresh, but if you want to take it up a notch, try one of these ideas:
- With Butter: Spread a thin layer of butter over a warm slice of banana bread for extra richness.
- With Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter pairs wonderfully with banana bread.
- As a Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is the perfect size for this banana bread recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls, one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients together.
- Electric Mixer (Optional): For creaming the butter and sugar, though you can also do this by hand.
- Spatula: To stir the ingredients and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
