Food  

Here Is The Easiest Banana Bread Recipe You Need To Try

By Odunmorayo Oke

09 August 2024   |   6:47 am

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Banana bread is a treat that balances right on the line between bread and a cake. It combines the texture of a loaf with the moist sweetness of a dessert. Although it may not be as light and airy as a traditional cake, banana bread offers a delicious balance that is perfect for satisfying cravings…

Banana bread is a treat that balances right on the line between bread and a cake. It combines the texture of a loaf with the moist sweetness of a dessert.

Although it may not be as light and airy as a traditional cake, banana bread offers a delicious balance that is perfect for satisfying cravings any time of day.

So what exactly is banana bread? At its core, it is a quick bread. That is, a type of baked good that uses baking soda or baking powder, rather than yeast, as the leavening agent. This gives banana bread a firmer texture compared to classic yeast bread.

Furthermore, the addition of ripe, mashed bananas adds a natural sweetness and signature flavour that sets it apart from other quick bread.

Yet banana bread also shares characteristics with cakes. The use of eggs, butter or oil, and sugar creates the typical moisture that is more similar to a sweet dessert than a traditional bread. And with the option to add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate as toppings, banana bread can be customised to be just as indulgent as a layered cake.

Try this recipe for when you want to enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner, the best banana bread recipe hits all the right notes. This version, for example, is an absolute home run:

The ultimate banana bread recipe

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter.
3. Stir in the baking soda and salt. These will help your bread rise and enhance the flavors.
4. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour into the mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender loaf.
6. Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for it to cool down. Slide and enjoy!

READ ALSO: 5 Ways Baking Can Boost Your Mental Health

Tips to get the perfect banana bread

1. Use overripe bananas. For this treat, the riper the banana, the better. Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

2. Customize your bread with add-ins. Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavour and presentation.

3. Don’t overmix because overworking the batter can lead to a dense loaf.