Banana Bread Recipe

by Chef Marianne Monteclair

There are s given through the centuries and years that still retain their relevance today. If it is for the on-the-go breakfast or an add-on for that cup of coffee while taking the afternoon break, banana bread is fit for purpose as comfort food. But what is it about this inconspicuous baked cake that is so appealing to everyone? In this article, we’re going to investigate the origins of banana bread history as well as provide a detailed guide and also the s how you can create a variety of mouth-watering banana bread at home.

What Makes Banana Bread So Popular?

Banana bread, in the context of this discussion, has practically occupied the kitchens of so many people for it is very stylish as well. Whether it is plain banana bread that you are after or one that is filled with nuts and chocolate chips, there is a banana bread for you too. Besides, it even helps to solve the problem of extra overripe bananas sitting on your table!

The History of Banana Bread

What arose in the 1930s in the most American fashion may now be taken for granted, yet banana bread has its own history. Especially in the 1930’s when the US was in a recession, people made certain that food was nothing but finished. Especially bananas, which at times sit on the counter longer than needed and form brown spots, resulted in banana bread s that found a way63 to incorporate those soft and through away looking bananas. Today, the trend has remained and grain bread s are common in most working class households.

The Perfect Ripeness of Bananas

One of the primary secrets to making great banana bread is the selection of the bananas. You wouldn’t pick out just any banana…No. You would require those dreaded overripe bananas which nobody picks. But what makes overripe bananas special for use?

Choosing the Best Bananas for Banana Bread

The banana bread and muffins that every child loves need very special ingredients: ripened bananas. That is, the look of these bananas should be beyond yellow. You want them speckled with brown spots or even fully brown. Sweet, Soft, and ideal for the texture of your bread are these bananas. The more overripe a banana is, the more sweetness it brings in the bread.

Why Overripe Bananas Are Best

Those overripe bananas are filled with natural sugars and when baking the banana bread, the sugars will caramelize which makes the bread sweet tasting. The softer consistency of such bananas is also quite helpful when incorporated into batter, which is then baked into bread as it makes it very easy to combine and mix those breads creating yummy moist bread at every bite.

Ingredients for Banana Bread

Too many techniques and too many ingredients are not required for successful banana bread making. Actually, most ingredients that are required are probably already in your kitchen.

Must-Have Ingredients

This delicious banana bread is incredibly moist and fluffy. In order to prepare classic banana bread, the following will be required:

  • 3-4 overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1 cup of sugar (or less if you prefer it less sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Ingredients Available Easily to Improve your Recipe

The vivid colors of the figurative banana bread still remains edible, getting rid of its batter and just banana puree allows keeping it is appetizing blessing to add more things. Would you like to spice up your treat? Consider adding one or more of the following add-ins to go with banana bread:

Nuts, Chocolate Chips, and Others

  • Walnuts or Pecans: To add a little crunch.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds to a more dessert style moistened loaf.
  • Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Dried Fruit: To add chewiness to the freshness banana loaf.

How to Make Banana Bread Step by Step

Are you ready to begin the baking process? So we can begin here’s a simple approach of the procedures of how to make banana bread.

Prepping the Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mash the bananas in a bowl using a fork until smooth.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

Mixing and Baking Process

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: Add the baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet mixture. Mix until all ingredients are just incorporated
  2. Add the mashed bananas to the batter and gently fold in.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  4. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

  • Don’t overmix: Do not mix beyond the point that is necessary because in so doing, tough and dense bread is likely to be produced.
  • Check the bread early: All ovens are different so try to check the bread after 55 minutes to avoid over cooking.
  • Let it cool: Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Why Is Banana Bread a Go-To Recipe?

Banana bread has earned its place as a go-to for many reasons. Not only is it easy to make, but it also serves multiple purposes, from breakfast to dessert.

A Sweet Treat That’s Easy to Make

The quantity and the process are so elementary that even an amateur can carry out the preparation of banana bread cuts. It is one of the most reliable s that will take you at most 15 minutes of preparation time.

A Great Way to Reduce Food Waste

When it comes to food waste case, banana bread comes right at the top of the list. Have bananas that are way too ripe for eating? Stop it right there, do not throw it away, turn it into something yummy!

Common Banana Bread Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Though banana bread is one of the easiest to make bread there are some common things that a person does which would not help in making the perfect loaf of banana bread. Here’s how to avoid them.

Overmixing the Batter

Batter overmixing is one of the most common causes of heavy, tough and often rubbery banana bread, especially when stirring in dry ingredients. Lastly, to reduce this step you don’t have to mix too much when folding in the ingredients.

Using the Wrong Type of Pan

Dark non-stick embarrass loaf pans are great but the disadvantages that come with that especially when making banana bread especially with crusty edges are too many. For best results, use light-colored metal or glass pans.

Creative Variations of Banana Bread

So you’ve tried the plain banana bread and would like to try out the plain banana bread , which is not plain at all. Here are a couple of these tricks that are worth it tackling.

Vegan Banana Bread

To make vegan banana bread, use flax eggs in place of the normal eggs, which consist of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water and use coconut oil or a vegan butter spread during baking processes.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

When preparing a gluten free banana loaf, feel free to replace the all-purpose flour with a cup for a cup gluten free flour. You will still enjoy the classic banana bread feeling without having gluten.

Storing and Freezing Banana Bread

Banana bread stays fresh for several days, but it’s also perfect for freezing if you want to save some for later.

Best Ways to Keep It Fresh

Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it, but keep in mind that refrigeration may cause it to dry out slightly.

How to Freeze Banana Bread for Later

To freeze banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.


Banana Bread

This is a close-up photograph of a golden brown banana bread loaf with a rustic top and cut out a few slices of soft moist bread inside, golden brown banana brea loaf. This also has whip cream topped with thin banana slices on a bed of mashed ripe bananas and butter creating the feeling of an inviting warm kitchen.
Banana Bread recipe
👥 Servings 8 slices
Prep Time 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 125 g unsalted butter melted
  • 150 g caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 250 g plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large ripe bananas mashed (about 250g peeled)
  • 60 ml milk
  • Optional add-ins: 100g chocolate chips 50g chopped walnuts, or 50g sultanas
  • Equipment:
  • Loaf tin approx. 900g / 2lb
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring scales
  • Prep Time:
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas mark 4. Grease and line your loaf tin with baking paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  • Stir in the mashed bananas and milk until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  • If you are using any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or sultanas, fold them into the batter now.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  • Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve slices of banana bread on its own or spread with a little butter.
  • It’s also delicious toasted with a bit of honey or Nutella for an extra treat!

Notes

  • You can store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

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