Banana Bread

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, peel the bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. If you like a bit of texture, you can leave some small lumps, but the smoother the mash, the denser the bread will be.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Then, add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the wet mixture, and stir to incorporate. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Optional Add-ins: If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point. These additions give a nice crunch and extra flavor to the bread.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a little butter spread on top.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas: The bananas should be spotty and overripe for the best flavor. The natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas really shine in this recipe.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the ingredients gently, just enough to combine them. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Storage: Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or you can wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it out when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Variations

• Vegan Banana Bread: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use a plant-based butter and ensure your sugar is vegan.
• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option. Make sure your baking soda is also gluten-free.
• Banana Nut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Banana bread is versatile, easy to make, and loved by everyone. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!