Classic Banana Bread: A Timeless Comfort Dessert
Banana bread is a beloved classic, cherished for its moist, tender crumb and the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes. This recipe transforms overripe bananas into a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Join us as we explore the simple pleasure of baking and enjoying a slice of timeless banana bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch (or similar) loaf pan.
Mash the Bananas: 2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will be.
Combine Wet Ingredients: 3. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or using a stovetop. Let it cool slightly.
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
- Add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana-butter mixture and stir to combine. Allow it to sit for a minute; it will fizz a bit.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: 7. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- If you’re adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.
Bake the Banana Bread: 9. Pour the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: 11. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the banana bread into generous slices and enjoy. It’s delicious on its own or spread with a bit of butter.
Cook’s Notes:
- The ripeness of your bananas greatly influences the flavor of your banana bread. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and provide a more intense banana flavor.
- Feel free to customize your banana bread with additions like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried fruits.
- If your banana bread starts browning too quickly on top while baking, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate it or freeze slices individually.
Classic Banana Bread is a comforting and timeless dessert that brings joy with every bite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a delightful way to use up ripe bananas and create a delicious treat for yourself and your loved ones. Follow this recipe, bake your own banana bread, and savor the warm, nostalgic flavors that make it a beloved classic.
