Banana bread is a popular and delicious baked treat that’s made from ripe bananas. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Banana bread has a moist and tender texture and is often flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Here’s a basic recipe for classic banana bread:
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch (10×20 cm) loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the baking soda and salt.
- Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until just incorporated. If you’re using cinnamon and nutmeg, you can add them at this point as well.
- If you’re using any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time can vary, so keep an eye on it after about 50 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Banana bread is versatile, and you can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a swirl of cinnamon sugar through the batter. It’s a perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert option, and the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your home is truly delightful.
