Why Make This Recipe
Banana bread is a beloved classic that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With its moist texture and sweet banana flavor, this recipe is simple and easy to make, making it a favorite for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!
How to Make My Favorite Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80g) plain Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 3–4 ripe bananas)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 3/4 cup (90g) chopped pecans or walnuts, or 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). This helps to prevent the top from browning too soon.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat in the yogurt, vanilla, and mashed bananas until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing. If you want, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 60–65 minutes, loosely covering the pan with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
- The bread should be done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread in the pan on a cooling rack for 1 hour. Then, remove it from the pan and cool directly on the rack until you’re ready to slice and serve.
- Enjoy your delicious banana bread! Store it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How to Serve My Favorite Banana Bread
My favorite way to enjoy banana bread is just as it is, warm and fresh from the oven. You can slice it up and serve it plain, or spread a little butter on top for extra flavor. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
How to Store My Favorite Banana Bread
To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to three months; just slice it before freezing for easy serving later!
Tips to Make My Favorite Banana Bread
- Be sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be brown and soft!
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until everything is combined to keep the bread tender.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, feel free to add more brown sugar or extra bananas.
- Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as dried fruit or spices.
Variation
For a variation, try adding different nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, or use different types of chocolate chips. You could also make a chocolate banana bread by adding cocoa powder to the batter.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may make the bread denser. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter texture.
Q2: How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back slightly.
Q3: Can I add other fruits to my banana bread?
Yes! You can add fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or chopped apples for flavor variations. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as this can affect baking time.