This banana bread is a classic and comforting treat, perfect for using up overripe bananas. The bread is moist, lightly sweet, and bursting with banana flavor. With a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. This simple recipe combines just a few staple ingredients, including ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, and flour, resulting in a loaf that is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a dollop of butter, or paired with your favorite jam, this banana bread is a crowd-pleaser.
Banana bread has long been a favorite in households across the world. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made with nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter if you want to add a little variety. However, this simple banana bread keeps things traditional while still being incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Its easy preparation and minimal steps make it a go-to recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (around 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Bananas
- In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and slightly chunky. You should have around 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and then add the brown sugar. Mix until smooth. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in as well.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe
Banana bread is a beloved dessert that has its roots in the early 20th century, but it truly gained popularity in the United States during the 1930s. The rise of home baking in the 1930s, particularly during the Great Depression, led to the widespread use of baking soda and baking powder in recipes. These leavening agents made baking more accessible, and banana bread, with its humble ingredients and easy preparation, quickly became a household staple.
Banana bread originally appeared as a quick bread recipe in cookbooks, providing an easy way to use overripe bananas, which were often discarded. The introduction of baking soda and baking powder made it a convenient recipe since it did not require yeast or long rising times. Over the years, banana bread has become a favorite comfort food for many, offering a delicious way to use leftover bananas and filling homes with a sweet, comforting aroma while baking.
The recipe has evolved to include a variety of adaptations, from adding chocolate chips, nuts, and spices to more complex versions with oats, coconut, or even whole grains. Yet, the simplicity of the original recipe remains as popular as ever, making it a timeless classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The mashed bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, while the brown sugar gives it a lovely caramel flavor. The result is a tender, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast. Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite additions, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or spices. Whether you’re baking it for a family breakfast or serving it at a gathering, this banana bread is always a hit.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
Banana bread, when made with simple, natural ingredients like bananas and whole grain flour, can offer some nutritional benefits. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain proper muscle and nerve function. The dietary fiber found in bananas and whole grains also supports digestion and promotes heart health. Additionally, brown sugar provides a richer flavor than white sugar and contains some trace minerals like iron and calcium. The small amount of butter in the recipe adds healthy fats, and the egg provides protein, making it a filling treat.
While banana bread should still be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content, it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed as a snack or breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- With a Spread: Serve slices with butter, peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella for extra flavor.
- As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for a sweet treat.
- With Fruit: Top the bread with fresh berries or sliced bananas to enhance the flavor and add extra nutrients.
- As a Sandwich: Try making a breakfast sandwich with a slice of banana bread and scrambled eggs or bacon.
Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Add-ins: Customize the banana bread by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for an extra texture and flavor.
- Moisture: If the batter looks too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to ensure the bread stays moist.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Walnut Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar in the center of the batter before baking for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Vegan Banana Bread: Use a flax egg and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This simple banana bread recipe is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, with a light, fluffy interior and a slightly crisp top. It’s an easy and adaptable recipe, allowing you to create a variety of different banana bread versions with your favorite add-ins. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this timeless recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, comforting, and homemade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them before mashing and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Q: Can I make banana bread without eggs?
A: Yes! You can use a flax egg or a chia egg as an egg substitute in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftover banana bread?
A: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it in slices and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Q: Can I make banana bread with whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier, heartier loaf. Just note that whole wheat flour can result in a denser texture.