Description
This classic Banana Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Using ripe bananas, it combines simple pantry ingredients to create a delicious loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The bread has a tender crumb with a natural sweetness balanced by vanilla and a hint of salt, baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-4 medium ripe bananas
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8×4 inch bread pans by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them well to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth while leaving some small chunks for texture, which adds moisture and banana flavor to the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, providing a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture one at a time, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated to help bind the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla: Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract into the batter gently until evenly distributed throughout.
- Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bread pans and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix flour to avoid dense bread; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure even mixing and better texture.
- Allow bread to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in larger pans if desired.
