Description
This easy banana bread recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, melted butter, and simple pantry ingredients, it’s a classic treat that bakes up beautifully in about an hour. Optional additions like walnuts or chocolate chips make it versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash bananas and combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter thoroughly.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then gently stir in the all-purpose flour just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to serve.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier, denser loaf.
- Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
