Description
This easy banana bread recipe offers a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a simple blend of pantry ingredients, it yields a tender loaf with a subtly sweet, comforting taste. The method involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining and baking in a loaf pan for a classic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup milk or plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Add Bananas and Dairy: Mix the mashed bananas and milk or yogurt into the wet ingredients until smooth, which adds moisture and tenderness to the bread.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, which helps the texture set properly.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
- Banana bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
