Banana bread is a classic treat loved by many for its comforting flavor and moist texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Originating in the United States during the Great Depression, banana bread quickly became popular due to its simplicity and use of affordable ingredients. Today, it remains a beloved staple in households around the world.

Despite its humble origins, banana bread offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery taste of melted butter, while a hint of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note.

With just the right amount of sugar and a touch of salt, each bite is perfectly balanced, making it suitable for any time of day.

While some recipes may seem daunting, banana bread is wonderfully easy to make, even for beginners. With just a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy in no time.

Expert Tip: For added flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter before baking.

Ingredients

• Bananas: Very ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the banana bread, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the bread and balances out the sweetness of the bananas.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and caramelization to the bread, creating a golden crust and delicious flavor.
• Egg: A large egg binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract lends a warm, aromatic flavor to the banana bread, enhancing its overall taste.
• Plain Flour: Plain flour provides structure and volume to the bread, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.

Expert Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough loaf. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a slice of banana bread warm from the oven with a dollop of creamy butter for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack.
• For a decadent treat, top each slice of banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Serve banana bread alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day or a relaxing afternoon break.

Expert Tip: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in your banana bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be for banana bread?

For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel. These bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, resulting in a moist and flavorful bread.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the bread. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the recipe.

How do I store banana bread?

To keep banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze banana bread?

Yes, banana bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread?

Yes, feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Simply fold them in gently until evenly distributed.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Garlic Focaccia Bread
• Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
• Croissants
• American Pancakes
• French Bread

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Banana Bread

by Nabeela Kauser

Savour a classic comfort food, banana bread, that is as delightful to bake as it is to eat. Discover its rich history, understand the intricacy of its preparation, and find out what makes this easy-to-make recipe a beloved treat worldwide. 

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Baking

Cuisine American, Western

Servings 8 Slices

Calories 280 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 Medium Bananas Very ripe
• ▢ 75 g Butter Unsalted, melted
• ▢ 1 tsp Baking Soda
• ▢ 1 pinch Salt
• ▢ 150 g Sugar
• ▢ 1 large Egg
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ▢ 200 g Plain Flour

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas mark 4, and butter an 8 x 4-inch loaf tin.
• In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas and then stir in the melted butter.
• Then stir in the baking soda, salt, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Then gently stir in the plain flour and mix in until well combined.
• Pour the batter into loaf tin.
• Bake for 60 minutes. (See Note 1).
• Remove from the oven and let it cool down in the loaf tin for a few minutes.
• Then remove the banana bread from the tin and let it cool down.
• Once the bread is cooled down, cut it into slices using a bread knife and serve.

Notes

Note 1 – If the loaf’s surface is browned but the middle is still moist, cover it loosely with foil and bake it for an additional few minutes, until baked properly.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 212mgPotassium: 197mgFibre: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 296IUVitamin C: 4mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Banana, Bread, Cakes, Food, Recipe

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