Freshly baked easy banana bread on a wooden cutting board

Easy Banana Bread

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Banana Bread is a delightful and comforting treat. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful bread that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter!

How to Make Easy Banana Bread

Ingredients:

5 very ripe bananas
4 eggs
1 cup shortening
2.5 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease 2 – 9×5 inch loaf pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the eggs until well blended. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the shortening and gradually add the sugar. Stir in the vanilla and banana mixture.
  4. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; then blend into the batter. Add walnuts if desired. Divide the batter between the prepared pans.
  5. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

How to Serve Easy Banana Bread

Easy Banana Bread is delicious warm from the oven. You can slice it and serve it plain, or spread a little butter or cream cheese on top. It pairs well with coffee or tea. If you want to add a special touch, serve it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

How to Store Easy Banana Bread

To store your Easy Banana Bread, let it cool completely. Then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator or freeze it. When freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Easy Banana Bread

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more spots they have, the better!
  • Don’t overmix your batter; mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
  • If you like nuts, adding walnuts or pecans can give your banana bread a nice crunch.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter version or mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also work well in this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

3. How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the banana bread is ready. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

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