Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas. It’s easy to make, forgiving for beginners, and it fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Ready to get started? Let’s break down the steps!
Ingredients for Classic Banana Bread
For one loaf of moist, delicious banana bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional mix-ins (for extra flavor):
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm, spiced touch)
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. If you prefer, you can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency. The riper the bananas, the better your bread will taste, so don’t hesitate to use those speckled, overripe ones!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until smooth. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until all the wet ingredients are well-combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet ingredients, and stir to incorporate. Then, gently fold in the flour. Be careful not to overmix – this will help your banana bread stay light and tender.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, fold them into the batter at this stage. These add-ins can bring fun texture and flavor to your bread, but they’re completely optional.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the banana bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Homemade Banana Bread!
Cut yourself a slice (or two!) and enjoy the sweet, soft flavor of homemade banana bread. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a snack any time of day.
Mei Espiritu Lim 