Banana Bread Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Banana bread is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It’s wonderfully moist, subtly spiced, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or just craving a comforting baked good, this recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve the perfect banana bread. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas | 450g |
| All-purpose Flour | 200g |
| Unsalted Butter | 120g |
| Sugar | 120g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ground Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Baking Powder | 6g |
| Baking Soda | 3g |
| Lemon Juice | A few drops |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bananas: Begin by peeling the bananas. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with a few drops of lemon juice. The lemon juice will help prevent the bananas from browning. Using a fork, mash the bananas until you have a smooth purée. The riper the bananas, the more flavor they will bring to your banana bread.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which will give your banana bread a soft, light texture.
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Add the Eggs: Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, crack the eggs into the bowl, adding them one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, giving your banana bread a consistent rise.
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Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon, gently folding everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
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Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a 22.5 x 8.5 cm (9 x 3.5 inch) loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to level the surface.
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Bake the Banana Bread: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and bake the banana bread for 55 to 60 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the bread with a toothpick or skewer—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If necessary, cover the top with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent it from browning too much.
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Cool and Serve: Once the banana bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. The bread can be served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. These additions create delightful texture and richness, making the bread even more indulgent!
This banana bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet snack. Enjoy the moist, comforting, and aromatic delight that is homemade banana bread, a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
