Introduction
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. This Classic Moist Banana Bread recipe is a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas that you might have lying around. It’s wonderfully moist, with a rich banana flavor that’s complemented by a golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet treat after dinner, this banana bread is sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 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
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking environment for your banana bread.
- In a mixing bowl, take the ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the more sweetness they’ll bring to the bread!
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas, mixing it in well to create a lovely rich base.
- Mix in the baking soda and a pinch of salt; this helps to give your bread structure and flavor.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until everything is beautifully combined.
- Lastly, gently fold in the flour, being careful not to overmix. You want just enough incorporation for a perfectly tender texture.
- Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a glorious golden brown!
- Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Additionally, if you find you have more bananas than you can use, this recipe can easily be doubled and frozen for later enjoyment!
Cooking Techniques
This banana bread relies on the technique of creaming wet ingredients with dry ingredients to achieve a moist texture. Be sure to mash the bananas thoroughly to mix them evenly into the batter, and avoid overmixing after adding the flour; this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw them completely before mashing, and they’ll work just as well.
How should I store leftover banana bread?
Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, delicious Classic Moist Banana Bread that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a cozy treat for yourself. Its delightful aroma, tender crumb, and rich banana flavor will make your kitchen feel like home. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking, because this comforting loaf is waiting for you!