Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this incredibly easy banana bread recipe using Jiffy mix! This recipe takes the classic banana bread and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness, all while saving you precious time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking adventures, or even a spontaneous afternoon snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate combination of moist, sweet banana flavor and the satisfying crumbly texture that Jiffy mix is known for.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily from the pan.
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Mash those Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Overly chunky bananas can result in a slightly less even texture.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. A few lumps are okay, but aim for a relatively smooth batter.
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Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the Jiffy corn muffin mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a tough banana bread.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your choice of nuts and/or chocolate chips if desired. This is where you can get creative and personalize your banana bread!
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Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it during the last 5-10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Banana Bread Success:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal results.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough, chewy loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting in the bottom of the loaf pan before adding the batter for a delightful surprise.
- Streusel Topping: Create a streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and butter and sprinkling it over the top before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and slice size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and portion size. However, a general estimate per slice would be around 200-250 calories, varying amounts of fat, carbohydrate, and protein. This recipe provides a good source of potassium from the bananas.
This easy banana bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious dish, perfect for any occasion!