Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (for extra flavor!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture if you like.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir in the flour until just combined (don’t overmix!).
- Optional add-ins: If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the bread with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy!
Slice and enjoy this deliciously moist banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack!
Recipe Notes:
- Riper bananas make the best banana bread! The darker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Storage: Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for later – just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need any special equipment; just a bowl, fork, and a loaf pan!
- Customizable: You can add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in peanut butter for a twist.
- Perfect Texture: It’s moist, soft, and just the right amount of sweet – not too overpowering.