Banana bread is one of the most beloved baked goods for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to turn overripe bananas into a moist and flavorful loaf. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers the perfect banana bread every time
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, tips for the best results, preparation time, and calorie details. Let’s bake!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
Wet Ingredients:
- Overripe bananas: 3 large, mashed
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Brown sugar (optional): ¼ cup (adds depth and moisture)
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: ¼ cup (optional, for added moisture)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): ½ cup
- Chocolate chips: ½ cup
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Whisk until fully combined.
Stir in the yogurt or sour cream if using, as it enhances the bread’s moist texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tips for Perfect Moist Banana Bread
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread. Blackened bananas work best.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Customize the Flavor: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or experiment with mix-ins like shredded coconut, raisins, or dried fruits.
Calories Per Serving
The calorie count for banana bread depends on portion size and optional ingredients. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Base Recipe (per slice, 10 slices): ~220 calories
Bananas: 105 calories (for 3 bananas)
Sugar: 190 calories (per cup)
Butter: 800 calories (per ½ cup)
Eggs: 140 calories (for 2 eggs)
Flour: 910 calories (per 2 cups)
Adding extras like nuts or chocolate chips will increase the calorie count slightly. For example:
- With nuts: Add ~50 calories per slice.
- With chocolate chips: Add ~70 calories per slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Moist: The use of ripe bananas, butter, and optional yogurt ensures a tender and moist texture.
Versatile: Add your favorite mix-ins to customize the flavor.
Easy to Make: This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and requires just one bowl for the wet ingredients.
Great for Leftovers: Banana bread tastes even better the next day, and it freezes well for long-term storage.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chocolate Banana Bread: Add cocoa powder (¼ cup) to the batter and fold in chocolate chips.
Nutty Banana Bread: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and diced pineapple for a tropical flavor profile.
Vegan Banana Bread: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and butter with coconut oil.
How to Store and Serve
Storing: Wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Slice the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices individually at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions: Serve plain, toasted with butter, or with a drizzle of honey or cream cheese spread for a decadent treat.
Conclusion
This moist banana bread recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With its soft texture, natural sweetness from bananas, and endless customization options, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Gather your ingredients and give this classic recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!