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The World's Best Banana Bread

This moist and flavorful banana bread recipe uses ripe bananas for perfect sweetness, making it a beloved classic for any time of day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the batter
  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup melted butter Add warm melted butter to help distribute flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs Can substitute with applesauce or flaxseed mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Can use toasted nuts for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until well mixed. Then add the granulated sugar, mixing until smooth.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine the dry mixture with the banana mixture using gentle folding motions.
  6. Fold in the nuts if you're using them, taking care not to overmix the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
Baking
  1. Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

Let the banana bread cool before slicing. It can be served plain, with butter, cream cheese, or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.