Traditional Banana Bread
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Traditional Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweetness and moisture, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Banana bread is a beloved classic in many households, often made to prevent overripe bananas from going to waste. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, providing a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender crumb with a delightful banana flavor
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
The Perfect Breakfast Treat
Banana bread is not just for dessert; it's a wonderful addition to your breakfast table. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the moist texture makes it a satisfying choice to kickstart your day. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an indulgent morning treat that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe is versatile enough to cater to your morning routine. You can enjoy it as is, or add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. No matter how you choose to customize it, this traditional banana bread will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
A Family Favorite for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for a comforting snack, this banana bread recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its rich, sweet aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings family and friends together. Everyone will want to gather around to share in the deliciousness.
It's also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of tossing them, transform them into a delectable treat that everyone will love. This banana bread is a simple yet thoughtful way to show you care, making it a great gift for neighbors or friends.
Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread
After baking, if you find yourself with leftover banana bread, storing it properly is key to maintaining its moisture and flavor. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Slice the bread beforehand, wrap each slice individually, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply remove a slice and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds. You'll find that the flavor remains just as delightful as the day it was baked, making it a convenient treat for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
To achieve the most flavorful banana bread, opt for very ripe bananas. The more spots they have, the sweeter they will be, enhancing the overall taste of the bread. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, which complements the bananas beautifully.
Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to achieve that tender, moist crumb you desire. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so a gentle hand is key when combining your ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
While traditional banana bread is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to elevate your serving experience. Top your slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast, or spread a layer of nut butter for added protein and richness. You can also serve it with fresh berries or banana slices for a refreshing side.
For a fun twist, consider using banana bread as a base for French toast. Simply dip slices in an egg mixture and cook them in a skillet until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup for a decadent brunch dish that everyone will love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw the frozen bananas completely before mashing them.
→ How do I store banana bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months.
→ What can I add to banana bread?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Traditional Banana Bread
This Traditional Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweetness and moisture, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Created by: Maisie Clarke
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Then add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the flour until just incorporated.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g