Are you looking for a comforting, delicious treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This banana bread recipe with a luscious cream cheese frosting is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, using simple ingredients and requiring minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is for you. Get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and delightful taste of freshly baked banana bread!
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
- 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 bananas (about 3 medium)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Banana Bread:
- Preheat & 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.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This prevents clumps and ensures even baking.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bananas: Gently fold in the mashed bananas.
- 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.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Frost: Once the banana bread is completely cool, frost the top generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complements the banana flavor beautifully.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with other frostings, like a simple glaze or a chocolate ganache.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This recipe provides delicious, healthy meals and is perfect for those busy weeknights craving quick dinner ideas. Enjoy your homemade banana bread! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes.