Delicious Banana Bread

This easy banana bread recipe is a go-to for a reason—it’s soft, moist, and bursting with rich banana flavor in every bite. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas shines through, perfectly complemented by a hint of warm cinnamon and the buttery richness of the batter. It’s an ideal way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a comforting classic that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. With just a handful of pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour, this recipe comes together effortlessly in one bowl—minimal cleanup required! Whether you’re enjoying it plain, slathered with butter, or paired with a cup of coffee, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation, pleasing kids, guests, and anyone in need of a sweet, homemade treat.

Equipment to make delicious banana bread?

• • Bread Pan  (I like this one because it has lids)
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  • Parchment Paper(my favorite parchment paper to use)
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  • Measuring cups
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  • Measuring spoons
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  • Some kind of spatula to scrape the sides of your bowl
    • heat resistant spatulas:  https://amzn.to/4gBCK6v
  • Oven mitts or potholders
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Let's talk about Bananas in this delicious banana bread:

Baking with bananas is a great way to make your baked goods moist and flavorful. Follow these tips to get the best results from this versatile fruit. Pick the Right Bananas

• Ripe Bananas Are Best for delicious banana bread: Choose bananas with lots of brown spots or fully brown peels. These bananas are soft, naturally sweet, and ideal for baking.
• Skip Green Bananas: Under-ripe bananas are harder to mash and don’t have the sweetness you need for baking.

Mash Them Well

• Use a fork, potato masher, or blender to mash your bananas until smooth. A few small chunks are fine if you like texture, but big lumps might not mix well into the batter.

Boost the Flavor

• Add a splash of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon, or a dash of nutmeg to enhance the banana flavor.
• A little lemon juice can keep the bananas from turning brown and add a hint of tang to balance the sweetness.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

• Make sure your eggs, butter, and other ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can make the batter uneven and lumpy.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Once you add the bananas, stir just until everything is combined. Mixing too much can make the muffins dense and tough.

Bake at the Right Temperature

• Most banana recipes bake at 350°F. This is the sweet spot where bananas caramelize, giving your muffins a golden color and rich flavor. Always double-check your recipe for specific instructions.

Save Extra Bananas for Later

• If you have ripe bananas but aren’t ready to bake, peel and slice them, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep for months and can be thawed and used whenever you’re ready.

By following these tips, you’ll take your banana-based recipes to the next level. 🍌

Now, let's get into it

Instructions

Prep the Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease it with butter. Set the pan aside. Melt the Butter and Mash Bananas Place the stick of butter in a large mixing bowl and microwave for about 1 minute, or until fully melted. Add the ripe bananas to the same bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth. Add Wet Ingredients Stir the vanilla extract and eggs into the banana-butter mixture using the same fork. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are completely combined, and no yellow streaks remain. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. Pour and Bake Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. Cool and Serve Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. This banana bread pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a pat of butter! Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter before baking. 🍌