Ingredients
Scale
Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients you’ll need:
- 2–3 Overripe Bananas: The star of the show, bananas should be very ripe.
- 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: This is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- ½ cup Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 Eggs: These act as binding agents, helping the bread hold together.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds flavor depth.
- ½ cup Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): Customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Banana Bread
Mixing the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Baking the Banana Bread
- Fold in Optional Mix-ins: If you’re adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or any other ingredients, gently fold them into the batter now.
- Pour into the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making Moist and Fluffy Banana Bread
Creating the perfect moist banana bread involves balancing your ingredients and baking techniques. Here are some tips to help ensure your loaf comes out soft, tender, and delicious eve
Nutrition
- Calories: 285