Introduction
Are you ready to experience the joy of baking? There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh banana bread wafting through your home. This classic recipe is a favorite for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love this recipe.
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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher.
- Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add it to the mashed bananas.
- Add the baking soda, salt, and sugar to the bowl, and mix well.
- Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add the flour, and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutritional Information
One slice of banana bread (1/10 of the loaf) contains approximately:
- Calories: 213
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 19g
Cooking Time
This banana bread recipe takes approximately 50-60 minutes to bake, and 5-10 minutes to cool in the pan before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this banana bread recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter before baking.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter before baking.
- Substitute 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour for 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Instead of melted butter, you can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- If you don’t have baking soda, you can use baking powder instead (use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda).
- If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you don’t have sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup (use 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for every 3/4 cup of sugar).
Storage
This banana bread can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor – they should be brown and spotty.
- If you don’t have a potato masher, you can use a fork to mash the bananas.
- Don’t overmix the batter – stir until just combined.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf of banana bread. You can easily double the recipe to make two loaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas that have been thawed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a slightly different flavor.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, you can add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to this recipe for a twist on classic banana bread.
Personal Thoughts
This banana bread recipe is one of my favorites – it’s easy to make, delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. I love how customizable it is, and how you can add your own twist to make it unique. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! In summary, this banana bread recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can have a warm, fresh loaf of banana bread in no time. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t regret it!