Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is a delicious, moist, and flavorful quick bread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. It’s an easy way to use up overripe bananas and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This classic banana bread recipe yields a soft and tender loaf with a wonderful aroma and a naturally sweet taste.

Ingredients

To make this delicious banana bread, you will need:

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Wet Ingredients:

3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (60ml) milk or yogurt

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a crunchy texture)
½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few small lumps are okay, as they add texture to the bread.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk (or yogurt) to the mashed bananas.
Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Extras (Optional)

If using chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula and, if desired, sprinkle a few extra nuts or chocolate chips on top for decoration.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature, with butter, honey, or peanut butter.
It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Tips

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
You can also freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. Simply slice it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Tips and Variations

Make it healthier: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Dairy-free option: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegetable oil, and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Spiced banana bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Banana muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes for delicious banana muffins.

This classic banana bread is soft, moist, and full of banana flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain, with nuts, or with chocolate chips, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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