Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, incredibly moist banana bread that's so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just any ordinary banana bread - this is the ultimate comfort food that transforms overripe bananas into a heavenly treat that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this Simply Delicious Banana Bread is about to become your new go-to dessert that promises to fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma and warmth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly and rises properly.
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. You will need 3 large ripe bananas, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (if you choose to include them).
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth with only a few small lumps remaining. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Add the melted unsalted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until combined. The butter should be warm but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Crack the 2 large eggs into the banana and butter mixture. Whisk them in until everything is well blended and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few small lumps remaining.
- Fold in the 1 cup of granulated sugar until just combined. If you're using walnuts, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts at this stage.
- Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the banana bread from sticking to the pan.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the banana bread has cooled, slice it into generous pieces and enjoy! This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: The key to incredible banana bread is using extremely ripe bananas. Look for bananas with deep brown or even black speckled peels - the more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Gentle mixing is crucial! Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest, most evenly mixed batter.
- Test for Doneness: Always use the toothpick method - insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
- Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to slice immediately. Letting the bread cool completely helps it set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful slices.Bonus Tip: For extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize your banana bread and make it uniquely yours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
