This Best Banana Bread recipe features a moist, tender loaf packed with rich banana flavor. Perfect for using overripe bananas, this easy-to-make bread is a classic favorite that’s sweetened just right and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting dessert. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for a delicious treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add Bananas and Sour Cream:
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.
Fold in Nuts or Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you like, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Buttery: Enjoy your banana bread warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a comforting treat.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
Add Toppings: For extra indulgence, try topping a slice with a dollop of cream cheese or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Toast It: For a crispy exterior and a warm, soft center, toast a slice before serving.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store your banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can refrigerate the banana bread. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Slicing for Convenience: If you plan to freeze the banana bread, consider slicing it before freezing. This way, you can take out just a few slices at a time without having to thaw the whole loaf.
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FAQs:
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Simply thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and more flavorful, making them a great choice for banana bread.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, whole wheat flour will give the banana bread a denser texture and slightly different flavor. For best results, you might want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can make banana bread without eggs. For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a commercial egg replacer for each egg. This will keep the bread moist and help bind the ingredients.
How can I make banana bread less sweet?
To make the bread less sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Additionally, you can omit any optional chocolate chips or nuts that add extra sweetness. Adjusting the sugar will slightly change the texture, but the bread will still be delicious.
Conclusion:
This Banana Bread recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its moist texture and delightful banana flavor. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or as a sweet snack any time of day, this banana bread is a classic that never goes out of style. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Banana Bread recipe features a moist, tender loaf packed with rich banana flavor. Perfect for using overripe bananas, this easy-to-make bread is a classic favorite that’s sweetened just right and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting dessert. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for a delicious treat any time of day.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Bananas and Sour Cream: Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
Frozen Bananas: You can use thawed frozen bananas for extra sweetness. Drain excess liquid before mashing.
Egg Substitutes: Use 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana for each egg if you need an egg-free version.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce granulated sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup for a less sweet bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12 slices
- Calories: 250 kcal per slice
