Banana Bread Recipe
Simply the perfect Banana Bread recipe. Moist, quick, and easy to make with a soft, tender crumb, this Banana Bread is the best I’ve ever had and our favorite way to use up ripe bananas! It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up easily.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream ensures a soft texture.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at brunch, as a snack, or at a casual get-together.
- Easy Cleanup: The simple mixing process means less hassle in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Banana Bread recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan (8½ x 4½ inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or fork
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: This is essential for shaping your bread and ensuring it bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps prevent clumping.
- Potato masher or fork: Perfect for mashing bananas quickly without making them too smooth.
- Cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around the bread so it cools properly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed should be about 1 ¼ cups; anywhere from 1 to 1 ½ cups will work)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar)
– 2 large eggs
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 1/3 cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used instead)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or grease and flour the bottom and sides of an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan. You can also butter the pan and sprinkle it with sugar or a combination of sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. All purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas using one of these methods:
Use a potato masher.
Use a fork.
Use an electric mixer.
Leave some small chunks; it doesn’t have to be completely smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the following ingredients into the mashed bananas:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Eggs
3. Melted butter
4. Sour cream
5. Vanilla extract
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients:
1. Stir until just combined; do not over-mix.
2. Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for:
50 to 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If necessary, tent with foil if the top gets too brown during baking.
Step 7: Cool
Let the banana bread cool in the loaf pan on a cooling rack for about:
15 to 20 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely for another hour or more. Slice and serve once fully cooled!
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether paired with coffee for breakfast or served as a snack, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Toasted with Butter
- Toast slices of banana bread until golden brown and spread a generous layer of butter on top for a warm, comforting treat.
With Nut Butter
- Spread almond or peanut butter on banana bread for added protein and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pair banana bread with slices of fresh strawberries or a handful of blueberries for a refreshing contrast and added nutrition.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert-like experience, perfect for special occasions.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey over banana bread enhances its natural sweetness and adds a touch of elegance to your serving.
As French Toast
- Transform your banana bread into French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and cooking until golden. Serve with syrup or fruit toppings.
How to Perfect Banana Bread Recipe
To make your banana bread even better, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor possible.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t overmix: Gently stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. This ensures a tender crumb.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and sour cream at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
- Check doneness early: Start checking your banana bread at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking. Every oven is different!
- Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring it to a rack. This prevents it from becoming gummy when sliced.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize your banana bread to your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds richness and tanginess, making it a great complement to sweet banana bread.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of banana bread, creating an ideal breakfast pairing.
- Tea: Herbal or black tea provides a soothing balance, especially when enjoying banana bread as an afternoon snack.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your meal and provide additional vitamins while contrasting nicely with the dense loaf.
- Oatmeal: Serve warm oatmeal on the side for an added healthy boost; it’s filling and nutritious alongside your sweet treat.
- Ice Cream: For dessert lovers, vanilla ice cream paired with warm banana bread creates an irresistible combination that’s hard to resist.
- Cheese Plate: A small cheese plate featuring mild cheeses offers savory notes that work well against sweet flavors.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts adds crunch and heartiness next to soft banana bread while providing healthy fats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making banana bread at home can be rewarding, but a few common mistakes can ruin your loaf. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and moisture needed for a great banana bread. Always opt for ripe or overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender crumb.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into banana bread too soon can make it gummy. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing it.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your banana bread dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure accurately or invest in a kitchen scale.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking your banana bread around 50 minutes, but use a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- It will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Banana Bread Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Banana bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Banana Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes for a warm, fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious banana bread recipe.
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great! Just ensure they’re well-mashed before adding them to your batter.
How do I know when my Banana Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done!
Can I customize this Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
What should I do if my Banana Bread is too dense?
This often happens from overmixing the batter. Ensure you mix only until combined and check your measurements carefully.
Final Thoughts
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas while delivering comfort and satisfaction in every slice. Enjoy its wonderful flavor as-is or customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
This Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, moist goodness that perfectly transforms overripe bananas into a comforting loaf. In just under an hour, you can enjoy this easy-to-make bread that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this recipe guarantees a tender crumb and rich flavor. Customize your loaf by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch! With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking this banana bread will become your new favorite kitchen activity.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until slightly chunky using a potato masher or fork.
- Mix in sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (65g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
