Are you ready to transform those overripe bananas into the most incredible, melt-in-your-mouth banana bread you've ever tasted? This classic Joy of Cooking recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe guarantees a delicious, golden-brown loaf that's packed with rich banana flavor and irresistible moistness. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a bakery and create a treat that's sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your banana bread bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the 2 to 3 ripe bananas with a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks remaining, as this will help the bananas incorporate well into the batter.
- Add the 1/3 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. The melted butter will help to create a moist texture in the bread.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt into the banana and butter mixture. The baking soda is essential for leavening the bread, making it rise as it bakes.
- Next, add 1 cup of sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar is fully incorporated. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Crack 1 large egg into the mixture and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the banana bread from sticking to the pan.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the banana bread once it has cooled and enjoy! You can serve it plain, or with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.
Tips
- Banana Selection: The key to amazing banana bread is using very ripe bananas. Look for bananas with dark brown or black spots - the more overripe, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't Overmix: When adding flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread instead of a light, tender loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure your bread is fully baked. Insert a toothpick into the center - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 4 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize Your Bread: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to make this recipe your own. Fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins just before baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your egg is at room temperature before mixing.
- Pan Preparation: Use parchment paper in addition to greasing the pan for easy removal and clean slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
