If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turn them into a delicious loaf of banana bread. This simple banana bread recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert. Ready in under an hour, it’s moist, flavorful, and requires only a few basic ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just about 60 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples.
- Great for Beginners: No advanced baking skills required.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar (adjust based on preference)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add baking soda, salt, and flour. Stir just until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for more sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it healthier by swapping some flour with whole wheat flour or using less sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread? Yes! Thaw your frozen bananas before using them. Frozen bananas tend to release more moisture, so you may want to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to avoid sogginess.
- How do I make my banana bread more moist? Use overripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter. Adding a little yogurt, sour cream, or applesauce can also increase moisture.
- Can I make banana bread without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use applesauce, mashed avocado, or yogurt as a binding agent.
- How do I store banana bread? Store banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This easy banana bread recipe is the perfect go-to for a quick, moist, and flavorful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf in under an hour. Customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, and enjoy!
So grab those ripe bananas, follow these steps, and enjoy homemade banana bread that’s sure to impress!
