A classic banana bread is perfect for using up ripe bananas and makes a delicious, moist treat that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for homemade banana bread:
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can reduce this for a less sweet version or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the wet ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Leave a few small lumps for texture if you like.
- Stir in the melted butter, making sure the butter has cooled a bit before mixing it into the bananas.
- Add the remaining ingredients:
- Add the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, folding it into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. Just mix until everything is incorporated.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is getting too brown before the inside is done, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy as is, or serve with butter or a drizzle of honey!
Tips:
- For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- This banana bread freezes well, so you can wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before enjoying!
This banana bread is simple, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor—perfect for any time of day. Enjoy! Would you like any variations or additional tips?