Pin It There is nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your home. This classic American recipe creates a moist, tender loaf that is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of the day. With just a few simple ingredients and ripe bananas, you can whip up a comforting treat that everyone will enjoy.
Pin It The secret to this bread's incredible texture lies in the combination of creamed butter and perfectly mashed bananas. It is a vegetarian-friendly staple that strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and a soft, dense crumb.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fruit: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Optional Add-Ins: 3/4 cup (130 g) chocolate chips OR 3/4 cup (90 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5
- Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Step 6
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Step 7
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
- Step 8
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Step 9
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a richer flavor profile, consider substituting white sugar with brown sugar. If you need a dairy-free version, you can easily replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize your loaf by using a mix of both chocolate chips and nuts for added texture. This recipe works beautifully with either walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy a slice warm from the oven with a pat of butter or a light drizzle of honey. It also pairs perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.
Pin It With its golden-brown crust and soft, flavorful interior, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, every slice is a delicious reminder of homemade comfort.
Recipe Q&A
- → Why is my banana bread dense instead of moist?
Overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients is the main culprit. Mix gently until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which makes the crumb tight and dry. Also ensure your bananas are fully ripe with speckled skin for maximum moisture and natural sweetness.
- → Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or an applesauce substitute. These alternatives add moisture and help bind ingredients, though the texture may be slightly different from the original.
- → How do I prevent the top from cracking?
Cracks form from high oven heat or rapid temperature changes. Lower your oven temperature to 325°F if you see excessive cracking early in baking. You can also tent the loaf with foil if the top browns too quickly before the inside finishes baking.
- → What's the best way to store banana bread?
Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individually for up to 3 months. Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer for quick breakfast.
- → Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and more aromatic, sometimes allowing you to reduce added sugar slightly. This is a great way to use overripe bananas before they go bad.
- → Should I toast the nuts before adding them?
Toasting walnuts or pecans for 5-7 minutes at 350°F intensifies their flavor, making them more pronounced in the finished loaf. This step is optional but highly recommended for deeper, richer nuttiness. Let them cool before folding into the batter.