Do you have some ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter? Don’t let them go to waste! Instead, transform them into a delightful loaf of banana bread. This classic recipe is loved by many for its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, and it is a great way to use up those overripe bananas.
Banana bread is not only delicious, but it is also quite simple to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. In fact, you probably already have most of the items in your pantry. So let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Next, add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
If you enjoy the added crunch and flavor, you can also mix in some chopped walnuts at this stage. However, this step is entirely optional.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time to bake!
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
The hardest part is waiting for the bread to cool, as the aroma of freshly baked banana bread will fill your kitchen and tempt you to slice into it right away. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Once cooled, slice your banana bread and enjoy it as a sweet and satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert. You can also toast a slice and spread some butter or cream cheese on top for an extra indulgence.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your own twists, such as chocolate chips, raisins, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also experiment with different types of nuts if you prefer them over walnuts.
Happy baking!