Banana bread is a classic baked treat loved for its moist texture and comforting flavor.
Made with ripe bananas, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or toasted for added crunch, banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. Then, add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 3g
Some health benefits of indulging in a slice of homemade banana bread:
Nutrient-Rich:
Bananas, the star ingredient in banana bread, are packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function, while vitamin B6 supports metabolism and brain health.
High in Fiber:
Bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Including fiber-rich foods like banana bread in your diet can support overall digestive function.
Natural Sweetness:
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness to banana bread, reducing the need for additional sugar.
Using ripe bananas not only enhances the flavor but also adds natural sugars like fructose, which are metabolized more slowly than refined sugars, resulting in steadier blood sugar levels.
Boosts Energy:
Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy.
Enjoying banana bread as a snack or breakfast option can provide a quick energy boost, making it an ideal choice for active individuals or those needing a pick-me-up during the day.
Rich in Antioxidants:
Bananas contain antioxidants like dopamine and catechins, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Antioxidants play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health and well-being.
Versatile and Customizable:
Homemade banana bread recipes often allow for customization, allowing you to incorporate additional nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour, nuts, seeds, and spices.
Adding ingredients like walnuts or chia seeds boosts the bread’s protein and healthy fat content, enhancing its nutritional profile.
Comforting and Mood-Boosting:
Enjoying a slice of warm banana bread can provide comfort and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for reducing stress and improving mood.
The aroma of freshly baked banana bread can also have a calming effect and evoke positive emotions.
Reduced Food Waste:
Banana bread is a great way to use up overripe bananas that may otherwise go to waste.
Instead of discarding brown bananas, you can transform them into a delicious and nutritious baked treat, minimizing food waste and saving money.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas in this recipe. Simply thaw the bananas at room temperature or in the microwave before mashing.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to customize your banana bread to your liking.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze banana bread for longer storage. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour to make this banana bread gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.