Banana Bread
A comforting and delicious Banana Bread recipe with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional chocolate chips or nuts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces ripe bananas the star of the show that provides natural sweetness and moisture
- ½ cup unsalted butter adds richness; can substitute with coconut oil for a non-dairy option
- ¾ cup granulated sugar for sweetness; brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper flavor
- 2 large eggs bind everything together; can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option
- 1 tsp vanilla extract adds a dash of warmth and comfort
- 1 tsp baking soda for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise
- ½ tsp salt balances the sweetness
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour the base of your bread; can use whole wheat flour for a healthier choice
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional for extra indulgence
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir it into the mashed bananas.
- Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and gently fold in the flour just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Baking
- Pop the loaf in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Notes
Consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic twist. For a healthier version, substitute half the flour with almond flour or use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter.