Banana bread is a classic comfort food that is both delicious and easy to make.
It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and makes for a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
This recipe features a delightful walnut fill, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Follow these simple steps to bake a moist and flavorful banana bread that will quickly become a household favorite.
Moist Banana Bread
Moist, flavorful, and packed with crunchy walnuts, this banana bread is the ultimate comfort treat for any time of day! 🍌🍞
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, plus extra for topping if desired
Instructions
1. Gather Ingredients and Preheat Oven: Collect all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and no large chunks remain.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well incorporated.
4. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and flour until evenly distributed.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle extra walnuts or chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
9. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Look for bananas with brown spots for the sweetest taste.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using them in the recipe.
Q2: How do I store banana bread?
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, you can add other mix-ins such as dried fruit, shredded coconut, or different types of nuts. Just be mindful not to add too many, as it could affect the texture of the bread.
Q4: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, you can pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the sweetness and moistness of the bread. Try reducing it by no more than 1/4 cup for best results.
