Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredibly moist and delicious banana bread recipe! Made with oil instead of butter, this recipe is incredibly simple, even for beginner bakers, and delivers a perfectly textured loaf every time. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this recipe is your shortcut to homemade happiness. It’s the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, especially if you have overripe bananas begging to be used. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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 once baked.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents and ensures even distribution throughout the bread.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
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 loaf.
Step 5: Add Bananas and Nuts (Optional)
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and any optional nuts. Again, don't overmix.
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. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes – ovens can vary!
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 allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Brown spots are your friends!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool completely before slicing: This prevents the bread from crumbling and ensures a neat slice.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the bananas and nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: Approximately 10-12g Protein: Approximately 4-5g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a delicious dessert. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the even more delicious taste of homemade goodness! Happy baking!