Description
Irresistible banana bread delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with moist, fragrant slices promising pure delight. Rich banana flavor and delicate crumb invite you to savor each memorable bite of this classic comfort treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by greasing its interior surfaces and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a mixing bowl, then incorporate melted butter until smooth and consistent.
- Vigorously whisk sugar, egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
- Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the wet ingredients, gently stirring to distribute evenly.
- Gradually fold flour into the mixture, using minimal strokes to prevent overmixing; if desired, gently incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate air pockets.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when bread is fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps stabilize its structure.
- Carefully transfer the banana bread to a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature before slicing to maintain optimal texture and moisture.
Notes
- Ripeness matters: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
- Gentle mixing prevents tough bread: Stir flour just until combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make the bread dense and chewy.
- Customize with mix-ins: Experiment with walnuts, pecans, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit to add texture and personalize the banana bread.
- Moisture secret: Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt creates an extra tender and moist bread that stays fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg