The BEST Banana Bread Recipe

This banana bread is ultra-moist, perfectly sweet, and full of rich banana flavor. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to make, yet results in a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or want a cozy treat to serve for breakfast or dessert, this banana bread is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth (a few lumps are okay).
   • Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
6. Mix Everything Together:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas. Start and finish with the dry ingredients.
   • Add the buttermilk (or regular milk) and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the banana bread tender.
   • If you like, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
7. Bake the Banana Bread:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
   • If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 150mg