Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's also incredibly delicious and healthy? Look no further! This banana bread recipe, made with olive oil instead of butter, is a game-changer. It's incredibly moist, naturally sweet, and surprisingly healthy, making it the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Forget dry, crumbly banana bread – this recipe delivers a truly delightful experience, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or tastier than this!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can reduce this for a healthier option)
- ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin is recommended for its flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread comes out perfectly.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step to ensure even baking and a light texture.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix at this stage.
Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
Bananas & Nuts (Optional): Add the mashed bananas and any optional nuts, gently folding them into the batter.
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.
Cool & Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, 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.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the banana bread is fully baked. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when slicing.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, using olive oil instead of butter contributes to a healthier fat profile. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size.
This banana bread recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. Its ease and impressive flavor make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy!