Easy Banana Bread

Name: Easy Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt

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This Easy Banana Bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a family favorite that’s both comforting and flavorful. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma of homemade banana bread that will fill your kitchen!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth, using a fork. Stir in the melted butter.

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Gently stir in the flour until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Tips:

Serve warm or at room temperature: Freshly baked banana bread is best enjoyed warm. Slice it up and serve it as-is or with a slather of butter for extra indulgence.

Pair with spreads: Try topping your banana bread with cream cheese, peanut butter, Nutella, or even a drizzle of honey for added flavor.

Serve with coffee or tea: Banana bread is a perfect match with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Make it fancy: For a special treat, serve banana bread with whipped cream and fresh fruit, or even as the base for a dessert with ice cream on top.

Toast it: Lightly toast leftover banana bread for a delicious, crispy exterior with a soft interior.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist.

Refrigeration: If you live in a humid climate or want to extend its freshness, store the banana bread in the fridge. It will last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Freezing: To freeze banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the bread thaw at room temperature or gently reheat slices in the microwave or toaster.

Slice before freezing: If you plan on freezing the bread, consider slicing it beforehand. This allows you to easily grab a single piece, thaw, and enjoy without defrosting the whole loaf.

Related Recipes:

Best Banana Bread

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

FAQs:

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work great in banana bread! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for baking.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?

To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe, but the texture may be denser. You might want to use a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a lighter texture while still adding some whole grain goodness.

How can I add flavor variations to my bread?

You can customize your banana bread by adding various ingredients. Try incorporating chocolate chips, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried fruit, or spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg) to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the proper batter consistency.

Conclusion:

This Easy Banana Bread recipe is a go-to option for those looking to create a flavorful, moist, and simple homemade treat. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a quick way to use up overripe bananas, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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