Are you looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This banana bread recipe with a delightful crumble topping is the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a cozy evening or a delightful weekend brunch. This recipe is perfect for beginners, offering a simple yet impressive result that will wow your friends and family. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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 will easily slide out once baked.
Make the Banana Bread:
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be!
- Add the melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key to a flaky crumble!
Bake the Banana Bread:
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes as ovens can vary.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread!
Cooking Tips for Perfect 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 can lead to a tough banana bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely will prevent it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-45g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy banana bread recipe with crumble is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the satisfying taste of this homemade treat. It's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. Happy baking!