Description
Nothing says home quite like the aroma of old-fashioned banana bread baking in the oven. This recipe takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where every slice was warm, moist, and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to create this beloved loaf. It’s a versatile treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. This tried-and-true recipe is as nostalgic as it is delicious, a comforting reminder of the power of traditional baking. Let’s dive in and create a loaf of banana bread that’s soft, moist, and as heartwarming as those cherished memories.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
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 for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 1hr