Banana Bread Recipe
Learn how to bake the perfect banana bread with this easy recipe! Moist, flavorful, and customizable, this classic treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, discover tips for vegan and gluten-free options!
Ingredients
Ingredients (for 1 loaf):
3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup melted butter (or oil for a dairy-free option)
¾ cup brown sugar (can substitute white sugar)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 8x4-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
Mash the Bananas:
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth with a few small lumps. Aim for about 1 ½ cups of mashed bananas.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the baking soda.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Optional Mix-ins:
- If using chocolate chips or walnuts, fold them into the batter now.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool:
- Let the banana bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 5% DV
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV