Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of banana bread but don't have baking soda on hand? Don't worry! This recipe proves that you can achieve wonderfully moist and delicious banana bread without it. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, a quick dinner addition, or a healthy, homemade treat. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (crucial for rise without baking soda!)
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
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.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even leavening.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If using nuts, fold them into the batter now.
Step 6: Bake
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 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 it from sticking and ensures even cooling. 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. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal!
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely helps it set properly and makes for easier slicing.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts (or instead of them).
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra warm flavor.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious banana bread is a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this quick, healthy, and satisfying treat!