Banana bread is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to every kitchen. This simple yet delightful recipe will guide you through creating a moist and flavorful loaf that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. With just a few ripe bananas and basic pantry ingredients, you can bake a delicious treat that your friends and family will love. Let’s dive into the details of this easy banana bread recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 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 cup all-purpose flour
Servings and Cooking Time
This banana bread recipe makes about 8 slices. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 196
– Protein: 2.2g
– Carbohydrates: 28g
– Fat: 8g
– Fiber: 1.1g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and stir until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Additionally, try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for an extra flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
Banana bread is perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of peanut butter. It’s also delightful with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas can result in less flavor.
- Overmixing the batter can make the bread tough.
- Not checking for doneness may lead to undercooked bread.
- Using too much flour can make the bread dry.
- Not allowing the bread to cool can cause it to crumble.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- For added moisture, consider adding yogurt.
- Let the bread sit overnight for enhanced flavors.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I make my banana bread healthier?
You can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What can I add to my banana bread for extra flavor?
Consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans for more servings.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Dense banana bread may result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure carefully and mix just until combined.
Conclusion
This banana bread recipe is a simple yet rewarding baking project that yields delicious results. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and tantalize your taste buds. Happy baking!
Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 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 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in the baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and stir until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
