Are you craving a delicious homemade treat that will bring back memories of your childhood? Look no further! We have the BEST Banana Bread Recipe just for you. This recipe is perfect for those of you who are between 45 – 65 years old and want to indulge in a friendly and easy-to-understand cooking experience.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering banana bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they have a smooth consistency.
3. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy Your Homemade Banana Bread!

Serve your freshly baked banana bread warm with a cup of coffee or tea. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. The moist and flavorful bread will bring a smile to your face and transport you back to simpler times.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the BEST Banana Bread Recipe today!

Are you looking for a simple and delicious treat that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further than banana bread! It’s a classic favorite that never disappoints. Even if you were skeptical as a kid, like I was, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll love it!

I remember the first time a neighbor gave us a loaf of banana bread. I wasn’t sure about the nuts and fruit, but after taking a bite, I was hooked! Since then, I’ve made it my mission to create the BEST banana bread recipe. This recipe is sweet without being overly sugary and it’s perfectly moist.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t even need a stand mixer or hand mixer. It’s the perfect quick bread that you can whip up in no time. And let me tell you, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is absolutely heavenly!

How to Make the BEST Homemade Banana Bread

How to Tell if Bananas Are Ripe for Baking Banana Bread

For this recipe, you’ll want to use very overripe bananas. They should be soft and covered with dark brown speckles. This will give your banana bread the best flavor and texture.

• To speed up the ripening process: Place the bananas in a paper bag in a warm area for a day or two. The ethylene gas released by the peels will help them ripen faster.
• To ripen bananas today: Place whole unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the skins are darkened and the fruit is soft.
• Freeze extras: If you have more overripe bananas than you need, you can peel and freeze them for later.

How to Mash Bananas for Baking

To achieve the perfect texture, mash the ripe bananas very well by hand with a fork or potato masher. Avoid using an electric mixer as it can make the batter too thin, resulting in bread that’s slightly mushy in the center.

How to Make Banana Bread MOIST

• Butter and oil: I’ve experimented with using melted butter vs. oil in banana bread and found that a mixture of both gives the best results. The butter adds a rich flavor, while the oil provides moisture.
• Brown sugar and plain yogurt: These ingredients also contribute to the moistness, tenderness, and flavor of the banana bread.

How to Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to Banana Bread

• While I made this recipe plain, you can add 1 cup of coarsely chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you like.
• I personally prefer lightly toasted chopped walnuts or semisweet chocolate chips, but feel free to get creative with your add-ins.
• If you’re a fan of pecans, I have a recipe for Butter Pecan Banana Bread that you’ll love.

The CORRECT Pan to Use for Banana Bread

For the best results, I recommend using a light-colored METAL 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Dark-colored pans can scorch the edges.

• Glass and ceramic loaf pans take much longer to bake and can result in a collapsed and underbaked center. Stick with a metal pan to ensure even baking.
• Use the correct size loaf pan: 9 by 5-inches. Although an 8 ½ by 4 ½-inch pan may seem similar, the difference in volume capacity can significantly affect the final loaf. Using a smaller pan may cause the loaf to spill over and remain underbaked in the center. If you only have a smaller pan, you can withhold about 15% of the batter.

How to Bake Banana Bread WITHOUT COLLAPSING!

Follow these tips to ensure your banana bread turns out perfect:

• Use the correct baking pan size and material. Size and material matter!
• Preheat your oven completely and wait at least 10 additional minutes after the preheat beep before placing your loaf in the oven to ensure it’s hot enough.
• Invest in an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven temperature.
• Avoid overmixing the banana bread batter.
• Bake your banana bread until it registers an internal temperature of 200 to 205°F. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center is the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through without being overdone.

Can You Save Underbaked Banana Bread?

We’ve all been there – slicing into a loaf of cooled banana bread only to discover that it’s gummy and underdone in the center. Instead of putting it back in the oven (which will only scorch the exterior), you can try this trick:

Place the slices on a buttered griddle and fry them up, similar to French toast. It’s a delicious way to salvage your underbaked banana bread. If you have stale banana bread, you can also use this method. For the ultimate indulgence, add a little peanut butter!

Can I Add Frosting to Banana Bread?

If you want to take your banana bread to the next level, you can add Cream Cheese Frosting or my Best Buttercream. It will add a delightful touch of sweetness and creaminess.

How to Turn Banana Bread into Muffins

If you prefer individual servings, you can easily turn this banana bread recipe into muffins. Simply divide the batter among muffin cups lined with paper liners and adjust the baking time accordingly. Bake them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Store Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled, cover it and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. You’ll be surprised to find that the flavors actually intensify over time!

How to Freeze Banana Bread

To freeze your banana bread, tightly wrap the completely cooled loaf or slices in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. If you’re thawing an entire loaf, you can also refresh it by popping it into a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.

More Banana Recipes

If you’re a fan of bananas, here are some more recipes you’ll love:

I hope you adore this recipe as much as I do! Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy baking!

Recipe

• 2 cups (254 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) mashed banana (from about 3 very overripe bananas)*
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts (142 grams) or chocolate chips (170 grams) (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, oil, and vanilla. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips (if using).
4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or a digital thermometer inserted into the center reads 200-205°F.
6. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan to finish cooling completely.

Note: Use very overripe bananas. They should be very soft and covered with dark brown speckles. Mash the bananas very well by hand with a fork or potato masher.

This recipe was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with improvements and new photos. Photos by Ashley McLaughlin.

Tina — December 19, 2023 at 1:05 pm

So, do I need to make adjustments for high altitude baking with this recipe?

The Perfect Banana Bread Recipe for You!

Are you looking for the most delicious and moist banana bread recipe? Look no further! We have the perfect recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress everyone who tries it.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Our banana bread recipe has been tried and tested by thousands of people, and they all agree that it’s the best they’ve ever had. The secret ingredient? A combination of oil and butter that gives the bread a rich and moist texture. We also add sour cream or yogurt to enhance the flavor and keep the bread from drying out.

Tips for Baking at High Altitudes

If you’re baking at high altitudes, you might need to make some adjustments to the recipe. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out this King Arthur Baking resource for some great tips on how to bake at high altitudes. It’s always good to be prepared and ensure your banana bread turns out perfect every time.

Baking Temperatures and Times

To achieve the perfect banana bread, it’s essential to bake it at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the bread until a digital thermometer inserted into the center reads 200-205°F. This will ensure that the bread is fully cooked and has a moist and tender texture.

Customizations and Additions

While our banana bread recipe is fantastic on its own, you can always add your own twist to it. Some popular additions include walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut shavings, or blueberries. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to make the recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!

Double Batch? No Problem!

If you need to make a double batch of banana bread, it’s easy to do with this recipe. Simply double all the ingredients and make sure you have two correctly-sized pans. Bake both pans as directed in the recipe, and you’ll have twice the deliciousness to enjoy or share with loved ones.

Tips and Tricks from Our Readers

We love hearing from our readers and learning about their experiences with our recipes. Many of them have shared their tips and tricks to make the banana bread even better. Some suggestions include adding a nut crumble topping, using buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream or yogurt, or even baking mini loaves or muffins instead of a large loaf.

Join Our Baking Community

We’re thrilled to have you as part of our baking community! By subscribing to our blog, you’ll receive valuable information about bread, baking tips, and new recipes directly to your inbox. Share our blog with your friends and family who might also enjoy the joys of baking and delicious homemade treats.

So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and start baking the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. We can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures and see how you make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

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