Are you craving a comforting, delicious treat that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this unbelievably moist and flavorful banana bread recipe! Made with oil instead of butter, this recipe delivers a tender crumb and a wonderfully rich taste that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is versatile and guaranteed to impress. Forget those dry, disappointing loaves – this is the best banana bread recipe you'll ever try!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight baking project or a relaxed weekend activity.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions: Let's bake some deliciousness!
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, even for beginner bakers. Follow these steps for perfectly moist banana bread every time.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and airy texture.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. The brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
Step 5: Bananas & Nuts (optional): Gently fold in the mashed bananas and nuts (if using). The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips along with the bananas and nuts.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl a mixture of 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of sugar into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 18-20g
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings while enjoying a homemade treat. The moist texture and delightful flavor make it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!