Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for banana bread:
Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can reduce to 1/2 cup if you prefer less sweet)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.
- Add the flour last and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade banana bread!
Tips:
- Using very ripe bananas (with lots of brown spots) adds more sweetness and flavor.
- For a moister bread, you can add an extra banana or a couple of tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Banana bread also freezes well.