Classic Banana Bread

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas:
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture, then gently stir in the flour until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Extras (Optional):
   Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon if desired.
6. Pour and Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• To make it healthier, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
• Store leftover banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.