Banana Bread Recipe
This easy banana bread recipe is the perfect way to turn overripe bananas into a delicious, moist treat. With simple ingredients like ripe bananas, butter, eggs, sugar, and flour, you can create a warm, comforting loaf in just under an hour.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls One large bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Loaf pan A standard loaf pan to bake the banana bread.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the bananas until smooth.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk To cream the butter and sugar, and beat the eggs (an electric mixer is quicker but a hand whisk will also work).
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Ripe Bananas
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 Large Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl and set aside.
- In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter with 1 cup sugar, then add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, followed by 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The bananas should have brown spots or be mostly brown for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Butter Temperature: Ensure that the butter is softened (but not melted) before creaming it with sugar. This helps create a light and fluffy batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can result in dense, tough banana bread.
- Oven Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread around 55 minutes to prevent overbaking. If it’s getting too brown on top, cover it loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Customize Your Bread: Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor. Just be sure to coat any add-ins with a little flour to help them distribute evenly in the batter.
- Pan Size: Using a 9x5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. If you use a different size, baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it.