Homemade Banana Bread
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade banana bread is a beloved classic that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas and is quick to prepare. The wonderful aroma wafting through the house while it bakes creates a cozy atmosphere. Plus, it’s a delicious treat for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
How to Make Homemade Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (225g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups (400g) mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium-sized bananas)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5" loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the long sides. Set the pan aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Mix in the mashed bananas. The mixture might look a little grainy, which is perfectly normal!
- Add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The top should turn a rich brown color, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. If the outside is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Once done, cool the banana bread in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Homemade Banana Bread
Homemade banana bread can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. Spread some butter, cream cheese, or nut butter on a warm slice for extra flavor. You can also serve it with fruit or a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
How to Store Homemade Banana Bread
To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it well and place it in the freezer, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make Homemade Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be brown and soft.
- Avoid over mixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense bread.
- You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- If you like a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding things like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist. You might also try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. How can I tell if my banana bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top, and a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
3. Can I make mini loaves instead?
Yes, you can use a mini loaf pan! Just adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5" loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the long sides. Set the pan aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Mix in the mashed bananas. The mixture might look a little grainy, which is perfectly normal!
- Add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The top should turn a rich brown color, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- If the outside is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Once done, cool the banana bread in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing and serving.