Nutrition Facts
Servings 220
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
There's something comforting about a fresh loaf of banana bread. I can already picture it: steaming slices, still warm from the oven, slathered in a generous pat of butter. Maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon?
That moist texture combined with crunchy walnuts and sweet bursts of raisins makes it the perfect companion to my morning coffee or an afternoon tea. If you’re anything like me, the thought of indulging in this delightful treat brings a smile to your face.
Banana bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in many households. It’s a wonderful way to get rid of those overly ripe bananas that seem to multiply on your counter. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, banana bread is a go-to dish that everyone loves.
Whether you’re baking to share with friends or treating yourself, this homemade delight is a winner every time.
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This classic American baked good originates from the early 1930s. Essentially, banana bread is a simple quick bread made from mashed bananas, flour, and other wholesome ingredients. It’s known for its tender crumb and sweet, banana-forward flavor. Often enjoyed as breakfast or a snack, it’s the ideal blend of sweetness and comfort, capable of making even a gray day feel a little brighter.
You’ll love this banana bread recipe for its incredible ease and flavor. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also makes your kitchen smell divine while baking. The winning combination of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins brings a delightful taste in every slice. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that easily adapts to your preference. Swap out nuts, increase the sweetness, or even throw in some chocolate chips if you like. The possibilities are endless!
- 3 very ripe bananas (medium/large)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or you can use honey for a different sweetness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten lightly
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for extra flavor)
- Optional: ½ cup Greek yogurt (for moisture)
Ingredients From : natashaskitchen.com
Let’s get into the fun part—the steps of mixing, mashing, and baking! No need to be intimidated; making banana bread is straightforward. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to make something fantastic.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is important, as a well-heated oven helps the bread rise properly. While that's warming up, grease and flour a standard loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep) to ensure your bread won’t stick later on.
Take your walnuts and toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning. You'll know they're ready when they become slightly darker and start to smell amazing. Once toasted, remove them from the heat, chop them into pieces, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar (or honey if you prefer). Use a spatula or mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This little step will help give your banana bread that perfect texture.
Using a fork, mash up the ripe bananas until they resemble chunky applesauce. The riper, the better—dark spots on the skin mean more sweetness! Add this banana mash, along with the lightly beaten eggs, to the butter-sugar blend. Mix everything together until just combined.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt. Whisking separates the baking soda evenly and keeps your bread from having a salty bite. Slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay.
Now, it’s time to add in your vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, and raisins. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in that ½ tsp of ground cinnamon for a wonderful warmth. Fold these ingredients into your batter until they're evenly distributed.
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!
Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to transfer it to a wire rack where it can cool completely. Try to resist cutting it too soon—let the flavors settle in!
- Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the more sweetness will naturally be in your bread.
- Storage: If you want to enhance the flavors, let the bread rest for a day wrapped in plastic before slicing.
- Variation: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even dried cranberries for a twist.
- Yogurt Usage: If using Greek yogurt, reduce butter to 6 tbsp, so the bread doesn't become too oily.
To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap each piece individually to maintain moisture.
1. French Toast Style: Dip slices in an egg-milk mixture and fry for banana bread French toast. Top with maple syrup!
2. Peanut Butter Spread: Spread creamy peanut butter on top for a protein boost and extra flavor.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer slices with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delightful parfait.
4. Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two slices for a sweet treat.
5. Coffee Companion: Pair a slice with your morning coffee for a satisfying breakfast.
1. Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
2. Maple Syrup: Swap out granulated sugar for an equal amount of maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
3. Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter for a lower-fat version—just substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
4. Honey: For a natural sweetener, replace sugar with the same amount of honey; remember to reduce the liquid content slightly if using.
5. Agave Syrup: Agave is another great alternative for those seeking a lower-glycemic sweet fix.
Making banana bread at home is an easy way to bring a little sweetness into your life. It’s forgiving, incredibly delicious, and there’s always room for experimentation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm, comforting loaf that beckons to be savored.
So go ahead, gather those ripe bananas, and get baking—even if the only thing you share is the delightful smell wafting through your home! Happy baking!
Banana bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in many households. It’s a wonderful way to get rid of those overly ripe bananas that seem to multiply on your counter. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, banana bread is a go-to dish that everyone loves.
Servings 220
- Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the more sweetness will naturally be in your bread.
- Storage: If you want to enhance the flavors, let the bread rest for a day wrapped in plastic before slicing.
- Variation: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even dried cranberries for a twist.
- Yogurt Usage: If using Greek yogurt, reduce butter to 6 tbsp, so the bread doesn't become too oily.
I'm Rachel Garland, a registered dietitian and passionate home cook from Fairfield, California. My goal is to help busy people create quick, flavorful, and nutritious meals that fit into their hectic lives. Through my blog, I share simple, delicious recipes that make healthy eating easy and enjoyable!