Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of banana bread but only have a couple of bananas browning on your counter? Don't despair! This recipe proves you don't need a bunch of overripe bananas to bake up a loaf of delicious, moist banana bread. This easy recipe uses just two bananas, making it perfect for smaller households or when you're short on ingredients. It’s the perfect quick dinner addition or afternoon snack, and a great example of healthy meals made easy. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan (9x5 inches). Mash the bananas in a medium bowl until mostly smooth. This is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture in your banana bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed bananas, egg, and sugar. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
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.
Step 4: Mix in Add-ins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: 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. Slice and enjoy! This delicious banana bread is best served warm, but it's equally satisfying at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough loaf. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Toothpick Test: The best way to check if your banana bread is done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cooling Time: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and slice size. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, banana bread offers carbohydrates from the flour and bananas, some healthy fats from the butter, and protein from the egg.
This easy recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that don’t require a lot of time or ingredients. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade treat! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a quick dessert. This recipe is among the best recipes for its simplicity and delicious results.