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Best Banana Bread Recipe

Best Banana Bread Recipe

Emily Hartwell
This Best Banana Bread Recipe is soft, moist, and full of rich banana flavor. It is made with ripe bananas, butter, and simple pantry ingredients. The inside is tender and slightly sweet, while the outside has a light golden crust. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a quick snack. It is easy to make and does not require any special skills. If you have overripe bananas at home, this is the best way to use them.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas about 3 to 4 bananas
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
    Dry Ingredients

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and smooth. This step makes the bread soft.
    Cream Butter and Sugar

Step 4: Add Eggs and Bananas

  • Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in mashed bananas, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
    Add Eggs and Bananas

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently. Do not overmix because it can make the bread dense.
    Wet Ingredients
  • If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready.
    Pour the mixture into the tray

Step 7: Cool

  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove and cool completely before slicing.
    Best Banana Bread Recipe

Notes

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They are sweeter and softer.
  • Do not overmix the batter.
  • If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
  • Let it cool before cutting to avoid crumbling.

Variations

  • Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
  • Add walnuts or pecans for crunch.
  • Replace some sugar with honey.
  • Make muffins instead of a loaf. Bake for about 20 minutes.

Storage Instructions

  • Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.