Description
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas and is moist, flavorful, and simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. With a deliciously soft texture and a hint of vanilla, this banana bread is a crowd-pleaser, whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
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- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted)
- 3/4 cup sugar (use less for a less sweet bread)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then add the flour. Stir until just incorporated. Do not overmix. If using, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegetable oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the batter.