Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Look no further! This Banana Bread Recipe, made with the sweetness of Chiquita bananas, is the perfect solution. It's a classic for a reason – moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a loaf of pure deliciousness. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe Chiquita bananas (about 3 medium)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents evenly for a light and fluffy bread.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
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 lead to a tough bread.
Step 5: Bananas & Nuts
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and any optional nuts. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
Step 6: Bake
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 & Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is baked through.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Streusel Topping: Make a streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter, then crumble it over the top of the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Saturated Fat: 6-8g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 3-4g
This Banana Bread Recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy the goodness of Chiquita bananas. It's perfect for a quick breakfast, a delightful snack, or a comforting treat anytime. Enjoy!