Are you craving a delicious, moist banana bread but don't have baking soda or baking powder on hand? Don't despair! This recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of classic banana bread without relying on those common leavening agents. It's a surprisingly easy recipe, perfect for beginner bakers and a fantastic option for those looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. Get ready to enjoy a homemade treat that's both satisfying and simple to make!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
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 slide out easily.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. The more mashed they are, the smoother your batter will be.
- Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour 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.
Add Mix-ins (Optional):
- If using, gently fold in the walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips.
Bake & Cool:
- 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. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes as ovens vary.
- 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.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Brown spots are your friend!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
- Cool completely before slicing: This allows the bread to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese throughout the batter before baking for a delicious twist.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for added texture and fiber. This is also a great way to use up leftover oats.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Protein: 4-5g
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy banana bread even without baking soda or baking powder. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create delicious and satisfying results, making it a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!