The best homemade banana bread ready to be served

THE BEST BANANA BREAD RECIPE

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Why Make This Recipe

Banana bread is a classic comfort food loved by many. It’s simple to make, requires just a few ingredients, and it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. This recipe is not only delicious, but it also gives you that warm, home-baked aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone feel at home.

How to Make the Best Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (you can use bleached)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (or 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder)
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, place the mashed bananas and stir in the melted butter.
  3. Mix in the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan.
  6. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let it cool before serving.

How to Serve the Best Banana Bread

You can enjoy banana bread plain or add a spread. A bit of butter, cream cheese, or even some nut butter enhances its flavor. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

How to Store the Best Banana Bread

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Simply slice the bread, wrap it well in plastic, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make the Best Banana Bread

  • Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the riper, the better!
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the bread tender.
  • You can add nuts or chocolate chips for some extra flavor and texture.

Variation

You can easily customize this banana bread recipe. Try adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or pineapple.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them first and mash them before using in the recipe.

2. Can I make this banana bread recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

3. How can I tell if my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, it’s done baking.

Banana Bread

A delicious and simple recipe for warm banana bread that makes use of overripe bananas and fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet Ingredients
  • 3 pieces very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed The riper, the better!
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar You can use brown sugar as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour Bleached flour can be used as an alternative.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda Or use 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, place the mashed bananas and stir in the melted butter.
  3. Mix in the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Add the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan.
  2. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let it cool before serving.

Notes

Serve plain or with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter. Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.