The Best Banana Bread Recipe
Overview
This beloved banana bread recipe is a staple in many kitchens, cherished for its moist texture and delightful flavor. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy weekend breakfast, a thoughtful gift during the holidays, or a quick treat for a potluck, this recipe promises to deliver.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 loaves (or 3 mini loaves)
Description
Renowned for its super moist and delicious qualities, this banana bread recipe has stood the test of time. With a perfect blend of ripe bananas, buttery richness, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s no wonder it’s often considered the last banana bread recipe you’ll ever need. Ideal for freezing, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time.
Recipe Details
- Category: Quick Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Fruit, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, Freezer, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 528.3
- Total Fat: 22.3g
- Saturated Fat: 13.4g
- Cholesterol: 92.9mg
- Sodium: 563.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 79.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugars: 49.7g
- Protein: 6.4g
Instructions
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Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease one large loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans (or three mini loaf pans).
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas and add them to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.
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Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix well.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, flour, and salt.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently stir in chocolate chips or nuts at this stage for added texture and flavor.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using smaller pans, adjust baking time accordingly.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Notes
- Banana Ripeness: For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with brown spots on the peel.
- Texture Tip: Coarsely mash the bananas for a more textured bread.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill it to the top with milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.
- Freezing: This banana bread freezes well. Wrap slices or loaves tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reviews and Rating
- Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 130
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this banana bread recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its simplicity, combined with the richness of butter and sweetness of bananas, makes it a hit every time. Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert, it’s a classic that deserves a place in your recipe collection. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the best banana bread you’ll ever taste!
