Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this banana bread recipe made with oil! Forget dry, crumbly banana bread – this recipe delivers unbelievably moist and flavorful loaves every single time. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for a cozy night in, or a delightful addition to your weekend brunch spread. This recipe is a staple for homemade cooking, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily from the pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The oil adds incredible moisture to the bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough banana bread.
Step 5: Add the Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to test if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing: This prevents the bread from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch.
- Add chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are a classic addition.
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one slice might contain around 250-300 calories, 10-15g of fat, 35-45g of carbohydrates, and 3-5g of protein. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This banana bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture and delicious flavor make it a healthy and delicious addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and sharing this simple yet satisfying treat!