Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic Pillsbury Banana Bread recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for a cozy night in, a weekend brunch, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Using the convenience of Pillsbury's baking mix, this recipe elevates the simplicity of boxed mixes to create a truly delightful banana bread experience. Get ready to indulge in moist, flavorful bread bursting with the sweetness of ripe bananas.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients to make this delicious bread.
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions: Let's bake some delicious banana bread!
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 releases easily from the pan once baked.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Make sure there are no large chunks of banana remaining.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the Pillsbury cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Add mix-ins (optional): If you're adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
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.
Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread 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. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely ensures it sets properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Variations: Make it your own!
- Spice it up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus zest: A tablespoon of lemon or orange zest adds a bright, refreshing note.
- Cream cheese swirl: Swirl a mixture of softened cream cheese and powdered sugar into the batter before baking for a decadent treat.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for a delicious gluten-free version.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy Pillsbury banana bread recipe is a delightful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It’s a perfect recipe for quick dinner ideas, or a simple yet impressive dessert. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!