Banana Bread Recipe
Simply the perfect Banana Bread Recipe. Moist, quick, and easy to make with a soft, tender crumb. Truly the best Banana Bread I’ve ever had and our favorite way to use up ripe bananas! This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a homemade classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: This Banana Bread recipe results in a loaf that’s incredibly moist, thanks to the ripe bananas and sour cream.
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious bread in the oven in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use up those overripe bananas and customize with nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread fits seamlessly into any meal.
- Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to create this tasty treat.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Banana Bread recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Potato masher or fork
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Essential for shaping your Banana Bread and ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps you combine ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: A whisk allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly, which is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Ingredients
Simply the perfect Banana Bread recipe. Moist, quick and easy to make with a soft, tender crumb. Truly the best Banana Bread I’ve ever had and our favorite way to use up ripe bananas!
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed should be about 1 ¼ cups (anywhere from 1 to 1 ½ cups will work))
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/3 cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be used instead)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray with nonstick cooking spray or grease and flour the bottom and sides of an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan. You can also butter the pan and sprinkle with sugar or a combination of sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step 3: Mash Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using:
– A potato masher
– A fork
– A mixer
You can leave some small chunks; it doesn’t have to be completely smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the following ingredients into your mashed bananas:
1. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
2. 2 large eggs
3. 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (cooled)
4. 1/3 cup sour cream
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add the dry flour mixture from Step 2 into your wet banana mixture. Stir gently just until combined.
Step 6: Bake Your Banana Bread
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for:
– 50 to 60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it starts getting too brown on top, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let bread cool on a cooling rack in its loaf pan for about:
– 15 to 20 minutes before inverting it onto a rack.
Allow it to cool for another hour or more before slicing and serving your delicious Banana Bread.
Enjoy this easy-to-follow Banana Bread recipe that will quickly become your go-to method for using up ripe bananas!
How to Serve Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Toasted with Butter
- Toast slices of banana bread and spread a generous amount of butter on top. The warm bread will soak up the melted butter for extra richness.
Cream Cheese Spread
- Top your banana bread with a layer of cream cheese. You can add herbs or spices to the cream cheese for additional flavor.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve banana bread alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. The acidity of the fruit balances the sweetness of the bread.
Drizzled with Honey
- A simple drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the flavors in your banana bread perfectly.
Ice Cream Delight
- For a dessert twist, serve warm banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination is heavenly!
Nutty Topping
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. This also enhances its visual appeal.
How to Perfect Banana Bread Recipe
Making the best banana bread requires attention to detail and following some key tips. Here are some essential tricks to elevate your banana bread game.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s too wet, bake longer.
- Cool Properly: Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a rack. This helps maintain its structure.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to customize your banana bread.
- Store Correctly: Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your banana bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt: A tangy yogurt adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the banana bread.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast.
- Cottage Cheese: The mild taste of cottage cheese complements banana bread well and adds texture.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings freshness and acidity that brightens up your dish.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with banana bread for a comforting snack or breakfast.
- Peanut Butter: Spread peanut butter on slices for an added protein boost that goes well with the sweet flavors.
- Oatmeal: Serve alongside oatmeal topped with fruits for a wholesome morning meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia seed pudding can offer a nutritious contrast to rich banana bread while keeping things exciting!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking banana bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your loaf. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using unripe bananas: Always use ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour makes the bread dry. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the bread too soon can make it gummy. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store banana bread in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
Freezing Banana Bread Recipe
- Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Banana Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to this banana bread recipe:
What makes this Banana Bread Recipe so moist?
The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream keeps the bread moist and tender.
Can I use frozen bananas in this Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well! Just ensure they’re well mashed before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when my Banana Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my banana bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Recipe is not only easy but also incredibly delicious. Its moisture and tender crumb make it perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Enjoy using those ripe bananas in such a delightful way!
Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Banana Bread Recipe, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and sweet, rich flavor, this quick and easy recipe is an ideal way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. In just about an hour, you can create a tender loaf that’s not only delicious but versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with nuts and chocolate chips, this banana bread will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix in sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
