Banana bread is a comforting classic, known for its moist texture and rich flavor. This simple banana bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf that is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or simply craving something warm from the oven, this easy recipe will become your go-to for baking success. Let’s dive in and make the most satisfying banana bread!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Banana Bread Recipe
This banana bread is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have it ready to bake in just 10 minutes. The soft, moist texture comes from ripe bananas and a simple combination of baking essentials. Additionally, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. It’s also highly customizable; feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm from the oven, or let it cool and slice it for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack. It stores well, making it a perfect option for meal prep or gifting to friends and family. Plus, banana bread is an excellent way to use overripe bananas, reducing food waste while treating yourself to a delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
To make this delicious banana bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of milk
Nutrition Value (per slice)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 300mg
Recipe Tips (5 Tips)
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread, as they mash easily and contribute to the moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Add-ins for variety: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or raisins to elevate your banana bread and add extra flavor.
- Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread, and if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool before slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack. This will help prevent it from falling apart.
Make-Ahead Tips
Banana bread can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature, or frozen for up to 3 months. To make ahead, prepare the bread as usual and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. For freezing, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices for a quick snack.
Banana bread also makes an excellent meal prep option. Slice it into individual portions before storing, so you can grab a slice whenever you’re in need of a quick breakfast or snack. Just be sure to store it properly, as banana bread tends to dry out quickly if not wrapped tightly.
If you’d like to bake multiple loaves at once, you can double or triple the recipe. Simply adjust the baking time slightly for larger batches, but keep an eye on the bread to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked through.
Tips for Making a Better Banana Bread
1. Choosing the Right Bananas
When making banana bread, the bananas you use can make or break the recipe. Look for bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots or even overripe ones. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more moist the bread will be. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Overripe bananas add sweetness and depth of flavor that fresh bananas can’t provide.
2. Proper Mixing Technique
When combining your ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough or dense, which we want to avoid. Stir the mixture until just combined, and don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy. The key to light and fluffy banana bread is keeping the mixing to a minimum.
3. The Importance of Baking Time
Baking times can vary depending on the oven, altitude, and the type of pan used. Be sure to check your bread at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If it’s still wet, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remember, your bread will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven, so don’t worry if it seems a little soft in the middle.
Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Mix in the sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy!