Use those extra ripe bananas sitting on the counter and turn them into a delicious loaf of banana bread. You only need 8 other ingredients and you probably already have them on hand. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf every time. Enjoy it plain, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips, or turn it into mini loaves for gift giving.
We have one Whole wheat version which uses coconut oil, Greek yogurt and honey.
Why our recipe?
- 9 basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Brown sugar and melted butter create a moist and flavorful bread with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Leave it plain or add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
We kept things simple and classic in this recipe. While vegetable oil creates a more moist bread, it can feel greasy and heavy. For this, we use melted butter instead. You still get a moist bread without the grease factor. It won't stay moist for long, but let's be honest, when does a loaf of banana bread last more than a few days without being eaten?
Material notes
- Banana: Use extra ripe bananas for best flavor and natural sweetness. You will need about 2 medium bananas to make 1 cup of puree. Mash well before adding to the batter.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar, but darker will give a deeper flavor.
- Butter: Melt the butter before mixing it.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use all-purpose or bread flour in this recipe. Do not try to substitute or experiment with other flours.
Add-ins
Our banana bread is delicious on its own, but if you want to switch things up, try adding 1 to 2 cups of chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. You can mix in the same amount of chocolate chips—because bananas and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
glass pan Heat more slowly than metal, which means your bread will bake more evenly, but it may take a little longer. If you are using a glass loaf pan, you will need to increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
Dark colored metal pan Absorbs more heat and your bread can bake faster and brown more on the outside. Reduce oven temperature by 25°F And start checking the generosity around 45 minutes Mark to prevent overbaking.
Light colored metal pan Distribute the heat more evenly and you're less likely to over-brown the edges of the bread. Stick to the regular baking time 50-60 minutes.
mini bread
For mini loaves, use From 4 6 mini loaf pans That's about it 5×3 or 6×3 inches Be sure to grease each pan in the shape or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The batter should be divided evenly between the pans, filling each about two-thirds full.
To bake, lower the oven temperature 325°F and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaves are ready. If necessary, bake for an additional 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
Storage and reheating instructions
Keep in fridge Leftovers in an airtight container…
to freeze Store leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat Microwave portions on high in 30-second increments.
