Moist & Delicious Banana Bread Recipe
why make this recipe
Banana bread is a classic favorite that brings comfort and joy to any kitchen. It’s moist, delicious, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. With its warm aroma and soft texture, it is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Plus, it’s simple to make, allowing everyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers, to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness.
how to make Moist & Delicious Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- â…“ cup (80g) plain yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 cups (460g) mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool & Serve: Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Moist & Delicious Banana Bread
Slice the banana bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, but you can also spread some butter or cream cheese on top for an extra treat. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack or breakfast!
how to store Moist & Delicious Banana Bread
To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, slice the bread before wrapping it in plastic, so you can easily take out a piece whenever you want.
tips to make Moist & Delicious Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are fully ripe and even a little overripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- For a moister bread, avoid overmixing the batter.
- You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
variation
If you want to change things up, try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also substitute half the bananas with applesauce to reduce fat while keeping it moist. Experimenting with different nuts or adding spices like nutmeg can enhance the flavor too.
FAQs
Q: Can I make banana bread without eggs?
A: Yes! You can replace each egg with a quarter cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
Q: How do I know when my banana bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen bananas and mash them before using them in the recipe.
Moist & Delicious Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.