Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. It's deliciously moist with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite for breakfast or as a snack.
Banana bread has been a beloved treat for generations. This recipe creates a moist and flavorful loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or toasted, it's sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
- Rich banana flavor with a hint of sweetness
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Classic Moist Banana Bread is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast option, a satisfying snack, or a delicious dessert to serve after dinner, this banana bread fits the bill perfectly. Its rich flavor and tender texture are sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a staple in your baking repertoire.
Moreover, it’s an excellent way to utilize overripe bananas, which often get overlooked. Instead of tossing them out, transform them into a scrumptious treat that everyone will love. You can even store the banana bread for later enjoyment or share it with neighbors and friends, spreading the joy of homemade goodness.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
To achieve the best results with this recipe, choose ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you have bananas that are not quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, while gently folding the ingredients together ensures a light and airy texture. Lastly, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture, customizing the bread to your liking.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your Classic Moist Banana Bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Serving this banana bread is as easy as slicing it up and enjoying it plain, but you can also enhance it with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey. For a special treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a delightful dessert that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt into the flour.
Combine Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea!
Nutritional Benefits
Banana bread offers more than just deliciousness; it also packs several nutritional benefits. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining proper muscle function. Additionally, they provide dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
The use of whole ingredients in this recipe ensures that you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body. The addition of eggs adds protein, while the use of butter provides healthy fats. When made with love and care, this banana bread can be a wholesome addition to your diet.
Customizations and Variations
Feel free to get creative with this banana bread recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. For a nutty flavor, consider incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans. If you crave a bit of chocolate, dark chocolate chips can elevate the sweetness and create a delightful contrast with the banana flavor. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an added warmth.
For a healthier twist, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or adding oats. You can even reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to make it your own.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them and mash them well before using.
→ How do I store banana bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ How can I tell when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's done.
Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe
This Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. It's deliciously moist with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite for breakfast or as a snack.
Created by: Natalie Briggs
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt into the flour.
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g