Classic Banana Bread
The one recipe you need. Moist, sweet, and comforting, perfect for using up spotted bananas.
Details
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1.5 cups flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- 2
Mix mashed bananas with melted butter.
- 3
Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- 4
Sprinkle baking soda and salt over mixture.
- 5
Stir in flour until just combined.
- 6
Pour into loaf pan.
- 7
Bake for 55-65 minutes until a tester comes out clean.
About This Recipe
Few aromas evoke comfort and nostalgia quite like a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. This humble American classic, born out of necessity during the Great Depression to utilize overripe fruit and the burgeoning availability of leavening agents, has evolved into a beloved staple in homes across the country. What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and reliance on naturally sweet, intensely flavored very ripe bananas – the spottier, the better! These dark, mottled fruits are crucial, providing not only moisture but a depth of sweetness that processed sugar alone cannot replicate. The key technique here is gentle mixing; once wet and dry ingredients are just combined, stop, preventing gluten overdevelopment which can lead to a tough loaf. A pinch of salt brightens all the flavors, while baking soda reacts with the fruit's acidity for a perfect rise. While delicious as is, feel free to fold in a half-cup of toasted walnuts or dark chocolate chips for added texture and richness. Serve warm with a slather of butter or alongside your morning coffee for an utterly comforting start to the day.
Tips & Tricks
- • Ensure your bananas are very ripe, ideally with plenty of brown spots, as this maximizes their natural sweetness and moisture content, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bread.
- • For an added layer of flavor and texture, fold in 1/2 cup of toasted chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips with the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture.
- • To keep your banana bread moist for longer, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, sliced or whole.
- • This classic bread is delightful on its own, but elevate it by serving warm with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)