Description
A comforting banana bread recipe that combines warm caramelized bananas, vanilla-scented butter, and a tender crumb, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup (76 g) melted unsalted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (about 1/4 tsp)
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with some small chunks.
- Stir in the melted butter (or oil) until combined. Add sugar, beaten egg (or substitute), and vanilla; mix until homogeneous.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture, then add the flour. Fold gently until just combined — small streaks of flour are fine. Avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
- Fold in optional add-ins (nuts, chocolate chips). Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 24.2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41.7g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg