Easy Banana Bread Recipe
This delightful banana bread is a quick and straightforward treat that boasts a wonderful sweetness, especially with the sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Passed down from a friend of my mother, this recipe has become a favorite in my household, particularly for those lazy afternoons when you crave something warm and comforting. While I personally prefer it without nuts, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences. Prepare to indulge in a slice (or two) of this delicious banana bread!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 1 loaf |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Reviews | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2826.5 |
| Total Fat | 105.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 62.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 667 mg |
| Sodium | 3224.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 435.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g |
| Sugars | 201.8 g |
| Protein | 43.8 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | butter (softened) |
| 3/4 cup | sugar |
| 2 | eggs |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 tsp | baking soda |
| 1/2 tsp | salt |
| 3 | ripe bananas (mashed) |
| 1 tsp | vanilla extract |
| (optional) | nuts (chopped) |
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your banana bread will bake evenly and rise beautifully.
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Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan generously with butter or use a non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes and is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the loaf’s texture.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step allows the eggs to fully integrate into the mixture, contributing to the moisture and richness of the banana bread.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
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Fold in the Bananas and Vanilla: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing just until they are incorporated. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this stage as well, allowing their flavor and texture to blend into the batter.
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Pour into the Pan: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
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Add the Sugar Topping: For that delightful crunch, sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar over the top of the batter. This will caramelize slightly as it bakes, creating a lovely sweet crust.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Serve: Enjoy your banana bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese, or simply as is for a sweet treat!
With its simple preparation and fantastic flavor, this banana bread is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with variations like chocolate chips or different spices!
