Picture this: You’ve got your apron on, your mixing bowl ready, and all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. You start mixing everything together and pop it into the oven, eagerly awaiting the moment when your house will be filled with the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked banana bread. But when you check on your loaf, you realize that something’s gone wrong – it didn’t rise! If this sounds like a familiar scenario, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about what to do when your banana bread doesn’t rise.
Ingredients
- 2 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add the baking soda and salt, and stir to combine.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined.
- Add the flour, and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 225
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
50-60 minutes
Equipment
- 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You could also try swapping out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or using coconut oil instead of butter.
Substitutions
If you don’t have any ripe bananas on hand, you can try using unsweetened applesauce instead. You could also swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup, or use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage
This banana bread will keep well for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Tips
- Make sure your baking soda is fresh – if it’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, it may not be as effective.
- Don’t overmix the batter – this can lead to a dense, gummy texture.
- If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Check on your banana bread a few minutes before the end of the cooking time – if it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Notes
If your banana bread didn’t rise, there are a few possible reasons why. One common culprit is outdated baking soda, which can lose its effectiveness over time. Another possibility is that you overmixed the batter, which can cause it to become too dense. Finally, if you didn’t put enough baking soda in the batter, this can also cause it to be too heavy and not rise properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg in this recipe with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure.
Can I make this banana bread with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just be aware that the bread may be slightly denser and have a nuttier flavor.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze this banana bread for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Personal Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, and this recipe is a classic for a reason. While it can be frustrating when your bread doesn’t rise, there are plenty of things you can do to troubleshoot the issue and ensure that your next batch turns out perfectly. Whether you enjoy this bread on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a treat that’s sure to please.
So why not give this recipe a try for yourself? With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking know-how, you’ll be enjoying a slice of warm, delicious banana bread in no time.