Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This banana bread recipe with salted butter is your answer. It's the perfect recipe for a quick weekend bake, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Forget store-bought – this recipe delivers moist, flavorful banana bread that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to experience the magic of simple homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 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 (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
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 from the pan for a perfect slice every time. Having all your ingredients measured and ready before you begin makes the baking process much smoother.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Step 3: Cream Together Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients fully.
Step 5: Incorporate Bananas and Nuts
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and nuts (if using).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
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 15 minutes – ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of your homemade banana bread!
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 can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to test for doneness – if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps it to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- 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.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Banana Bread: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-45g Protein: 3-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this easy and healthy recipe! This banana bread recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and delicious dishes for any occasion. It’s one of the best recipes for homemade cooking and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today!