Classic Banana Bread

10 mins prep 60 mins cook 12 servings Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2-3 very ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted)
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
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Mash Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir in. Add the flour and mix just until combined (don't overmix).

Add Mix-ins

If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake

Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tip

For extra moist banana bread, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Variations

Try adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For a healthier version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup.

FAQs

Can I freeze banana bread? Absolutely! Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

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