How to Make the Perfect Banana Bread
American · Easy · 70 min · 10 servings
This moist and naturally sweet banana bread is a fantastic kid friendly recipe that uses up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Kids love mashing the bananas and helping pour the batter into the loaf pan.
Why this recipe works
This Banana Bread recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 198 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 large very ripe bananas
- 0.33 cup melted butter
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips optional
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Let kids peel and mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining. This is the most fun part for little ones.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until combined. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using. Do not overmix or the bread will be dense and tough.
Step 4: Bake Until Done
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all-purpose flour → whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier and more nutritious loaf
- granulated sugar → honey or maple syrup reduced to half a cup for a more natural sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using bananas that are not ripe enough which results in a bland loaf lacking natural sweetness
- Opening the oven door too early during baking which causes the bread to sink in the middle
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 198 calories, 3g protein, 31g carbs, 7g fat, 1g fiber.
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