Brought a loaf to my neighbor and she called five minutes later saying she needed the recipe!
Banana bread is a beloved classic that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether for breakfast or a snack, its moist texture and delightful flavor make it a staple in many households. This article dives into everything you need to know about making the perfect banana bread, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions.
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Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
Butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
Eggs, beaten | 2 |
Overripe bananas, mashed | 2 1/3 cups (about 4-5 bananas) |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Mashed Bananas: Stir in the 2 1/3 cups of mashed overripe bananas until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice the banana bread and serve. Enjoy!