Banana Bread Recipe
Simply the perfect Banana Bread recipe. Moist, quick, and easy to make with a soft, tender crumb. Truly the best Banana Bread I’ve ever had and our favorite way to use up ripe bananas! This recipe is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a delightful treat any time of day. Its wonderful aroma and flavor will fill your home, making it a comforting choice for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This banana bread comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain or customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
- Moist Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream ensures a moist and flavorful loaf that stays fresh longer.
- Quick Baking Time: In under an hour, you can have warm banana bread fresh from the oven.
- Perfect Snack: Great for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, this banana bread is satisfying and delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Banana Bread recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Potato masher or fork
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: The right size ensures even baking and helps form the classic shape of banana bread.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps prevent overmixing, resulting in a tender loaf.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed should be about 1 ¼ cups)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can use a combination of brown sugar)
– 2 large eggs
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 1/3 cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used instead)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or grease and flour the bottom and sides of an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan. You can also butter the pan and sprinkle with sugar or a mix of sugar and cinnamon if desired.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 3: Mash Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a potato masher, fork, or mixer. It’s fine if there are some small chunks remaining; it doesn’t need to be completely smooth.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add to the mashed bananas:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
6 tablespoons melted butter (cooled)
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk together until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gently stir in the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last ten minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let your banana bread cool in the loaf pan on a cooling rack for about 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully invert the pan to remove the bread, then let it cool on the rack for an additional hour before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is a versatile treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it plain or with some delicious toppings, there are many ways to serve this delightful Banana Bread Recipe.
Toasted with Butter
- Spread a generous layer of butter on warm slices for a rich, creamy flavor.
Topped with Nut Butter
- Add almond or peanut butter for a protein boost and nutty taste that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pair slices with fresh berries or banana slices to enhance the fruity flavors of the banana bread.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and pairs beautifully with the moist texture.
Accompanied by Cream Cheese
- Spread cream cheese on top for a tangy contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Enjoy warm slices topped with your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
How to Perfect Banana Bread Recipe
To make sure your Banana Bread Recipe turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your banana bread tender and fluffy. Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
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Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy; an oven that’s too hot can cause uneven baking.
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Tent with Foil: If the top of your banana bread browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Cool Properly: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a rack. This helps maintain moisture and prevents sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Recipe
Enjoying banana bread is always better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your Banana Bread Recipe.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a healthy touch, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad brings brightness and balance, enhancing the flavors of the banana bread while adding nutritional value.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs wonderfully, creating a cozy atmosphere while enjoying your slice.
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Oatmeal: For those who want something hearty, serving oatmeal alongside adds fiber and makes for a satisfying meal.
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Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl can provide additional nutrients while complementing the sweetness of banana bread nicely.
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Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese offer a savory contrast that enhances the sweet loaf’s flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Banana Bread Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using unripe bananas – Make sure your bananas are ripe; they should be brown and soft for the best flavor and moisture.
- Overmixing the batter – Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread instead of a soft crumb.
- Neglecting to measure ingredients accurately – Use proper measuring cups and spoons. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Skipping the cooling process – Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan before removing it. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from falling apart.
- Not tenting with foil – If your banana bread browns too quickly, tent it with foil during baking. This ensures even cooking without burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go options.
Freezing Banana Bread Recipe
- Freeze banana bread for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Banana Bread Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place slices on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this Banana Bread Recipe.
How can I make my Banana Bread Recipe healthier?
You can substitute some of the sugar with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What can I add to my Banana Bread Recipe?
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen bananas in my Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just ensure they are fully mashed before mixing into your batter.
What is the best way to store leftover Banana Bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it. For longer storage, freeze it as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Recipe stands out for its moist texture and rich flavor. It’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas while providing a cozy treat for breakfast or snack time. Feel free to customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for added delight. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delightful Banana Bread Recipe that transforms ripe bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a soft crumb that will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma. Whether enjoyed plain or embellished with nuts and chocolate chips, this banana bread is sure to impress your family and friends. In less than an hour, you can savor warm slices that are perfect for toasting or enjoying straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until slightly chunky.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla to the bananas; whisk until combined.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
