Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of banana bread but don't have baking soda on hand? Don't worry! This delicious recipe proves you can achieve that perfect moist and flavorful banana bread without it. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (or dessert!), or simply a delicious and healthy meal option. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to enjoy this simple, yet incredibly satisfying, banana bread recipe!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread will easily release from the pan once baked.
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Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until completely smooth. Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe, as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough banana bread.
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Add Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
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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.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 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.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely helps it set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the nuts (or instead of).
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm spiced flavor.
- Streusel Topping: Prepare a streusel topping by combining 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-5g
This basic banana bread recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to your baking repertoire. It's a fantastic recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a simple yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!