Simple Banana Bread
Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen
Learn how to make a delicious and moist banana bread that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.
This Simple Banana Bread recipe is a classic favorite that brings back memories of home baking. It's quick to prepare and uses overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. The warm aroma of baking banana bread will fill your kitchen, making it a comforting treat for everyone!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Simple ingredients easily found in your pantry
- Perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack anytime!
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 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, mix in the flour until just incorporated.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Storing Your Banana Bread
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness of your banana bread. If you plan to eat it within a few days, simply wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This method keeps the bread moist while preventing it from drying out. However, if you're looking to save some for later, consider freezing it. Slice the banana bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes!
When thawing frozen banana bread, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds. This method brings back the warmth and softness, making it taste freshly baked. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter for an extra treat.
Healthier Variations
If you're looking to make a healthier version of banana bread, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds more fiber and nutrients without compromising the delicious flavor. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a lighter option. Additionally, using Greek yogurt instead of butter can lower the fat content while still keeping the bread moist.
For those who are vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. These modifications allow everyone to enjoy a slice of banana bread, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ How can I make banana bread healthier?
You can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or substitute some butter with applesauce.
Simple Banana Bread
Learn how to make a delicious and moist banana bread that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Created by: Elara Kensington
Recipe Type: Daily Kitchen
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, mix in the flour until just incorporated.
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g