Irresistible Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet”
Table of Contents
Summary:
Banana bread is a timeless comfort food, loved by all for its soft texture, incredible aroma, and the perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this easy-to-follow banana bread recipe guarantees a delicious treat that’s sure to fill your home with warmth and joy. Packed with ripe bananas, a dash of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this banana bread will quickly become your go-to snack for every occasion. It’s perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or a special homemade gift.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 200 calories per slice
Courses:
- Dessert
- Snack
Cuisines:
- American
Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients: for banana bread recipe
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm, aromatic flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or substitute with buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
Instructions: for banana bread recipe
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment once your banana bread is ready to go into the oven. - Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour to ensure the bread doesn’t stick. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. - Mash the Bananas:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Mash them until smooth with only a few lumps remaining. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will turn out. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial to give your bread a light, fluffy texture. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Once the flour is incorporated, pour in the mashed bananas and milk. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread. - Add Optional Mix-ins:
If you’re adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or any other mix-ins, fold them gently into the batter with a spatula. - Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. - Bake the Banana Bread:
Bake the banana bread for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so check after 50 minutes and cover with aluminum foil if the top starts to brown too quickly. - Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. - Slice and Serve:
Slice the banana bread once it has cooled completely. Serve as is, or with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent treat!
Notes:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas provide the ideal sweetness and moisture, creating a soft texture in your bread.
- Substitute with Brown Sugar: For a richer flavor, you can substitute half or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. It will add a deep molasses taste, perfect if you prefer a more decadent bread.
- Freezing Banana Bread: If you want to save some for later, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it on the counter for a few hours or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add some dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes to customize your banana bread.
Conclusion:
This banana bread recipe is the ultimate go-to comfort food for every season. It combines simple ingredients to create an irresistible loaf that is moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone who tastes it.
Need more irresistible baking recipes to try? Check out this chocolate chip muffin recipe for another delightful treat.
“Irresistible Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet”
Equipment
- Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional, for a warm, aromatic flavor
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk or substitute with buttermilk for extra richness
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional, for added texture
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment once your banana bread is ready to go into the oven.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan:
- Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour to ensure the bread doesn’t stick. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mash the Bananas:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Mash them until smooth with only a few lumps remaining. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will turn out.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial to give your bread a light, fluffy texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Once the flour is incorporated, pour in the mashed bananas and milk. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
- Add Optional Mix-ins:
- If you’re adding walnuts, chocolate chips, or any other mix-ins, fold them gently into the batter with a spatula.
- Transfer to Loaf Pan:
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Banana Bread:
- Bake the banana bread for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so check after 50 minutes and cover with aluminum foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.
- Cool the Bread:
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the banana bread once it has cooled completely. Serve as is, or with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent treat!
- Notes:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas provide the ideal sweetness and moisture, creating a soft texture in your bread.
- Substitute with Brown Sugar: For a richer flavor, you can substitute half or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. It will add a deep molasses taste, perfect if you prefer a more decadent bread.
- Freezing Banana Bread: If you want to save some for later, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it on the counter for a few hours or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add some dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes to customize your banana bread.