Description
This Best Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a moist and flavorful classic loaf made with ripe bananas, melted butter, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this simple recipe combines pantry staples with chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and richness. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 3-4 ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup salted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Lightly grease and flour an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan or spray it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with the melted butter. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and stir well using a large wooden spoon until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt evenly over the banana mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate these leavening agents and spices.
- Mix in Flour and Nuts/Chips: Add the all-purpose flour and chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing into 10 thick slices. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for optimum sweetness and flavor.
- Substitute walnuts with chocolate chips if preferred for a sweeter variation.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Storage: Store banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- Adding a sprinkle of extra walnuts or chocolate chips on top before baking can add a decorative touch and extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
