How to Make the Perfect Classic Banana Bread
American · Easy · 70 min · 8 servings
A moist and tender banana bread made with ripe bananas and warm spices. It is the perfect way to use overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Why this recipe works
This Classic 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 210 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 whole ripe bananas
- 0.33 cup melted butter
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Mix the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon over the wet mixture. Add the flour and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the bread will become tough.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in 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:
- butter → coconut oil or vegetable oil
- granulated sugar → brown sugar or honey
- all-purpose flour → whole wheat flour
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using bananas that are not ripe enough which results in less sweetness and moisture
- Overmixing the batter which leads to a dense and tough loaf
- Opening the oven door too early which causes the bread to sink in the middle
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 4g protein, 35g carbs, 7g fat, 2g fiber.
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