Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of banana bread, but don't have buttermilk on hand? Don't worry! This delicious recipe, inspired by the classic Old Betty Crocker method, shows you how to make perfectly moist and flavorful banana bread without buttermilk. It's a quick dinner idea, a perfect healthy meal addition, and an easy recipe even beginners can master. This homemade cooking adventure will result in one of the best recipes you'll ever try! Get ready to enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of homemade banana bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
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.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients evenly and prevents lumps in your final product.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the sugars are fully incorporated.
Step 4: 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 result in a tough banana bread.
Step 5: Add Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. The more ripe your 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 & Serve
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 becoming soggy.
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: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would be delicious additions.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy banana bread recipe is perfect for any occasion – breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! Share your creations and tag us! We love seeing your delicious baked goods.