Banana Bread

This Banana Bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort with every slice. Perfectly moist and dense, it’s made with simple ingredients that come together quickly—taking less than 20 minutes to prepare! Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. Its rich flavor and inviting aroma make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious banana bread in the oven before you know it.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and sugars creates a rich taste that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it plain, with butter, or even as a base for delightful toppings like nut butter or fruit preserves.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe ensures you can whip up a loaf whenever the craving strikes.
• Perfect for Sharing: A loaf of banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends or family, spreading joy with each slice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having these essential items will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf tin
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or mixing spoon
• Baking paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf tin: Ensures your banana bread has the perfect shape and size for even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Large bowls allow for easy mixing of ingredients without spills or mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving consistent results in your baking.
• Baking paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Banana Bread

• 2 overripe bananas
• ½ cup (125 mL) canola oil
• ½ cup (125 mL) milk
• ½ cup (120 g) caster sugar / superfine sugar
• ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) plain flour / all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon (8 g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

How to Make Banana Bread

Follow these simple steps to bake your perfect Banana Bread at home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (fan/convection) or 180°C / 355°F (standard). Grease and line a 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf tin with baking paper. Ensure there’s at least a 3 cm (1 inch) overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Mash the overripe bananas well.
2. Add canola oil, milk, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift over the batter:
– Plain flour,
– Baking powder,
– Salt.

Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Pour the mixture into your prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. Allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Banana Bread!

How to Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, there are many options to enhance your experience.

Toasted Banana Bread

• Toast slices of banana bread lightly for a warm and crispy texture. Serve with butter or your favorite spreads like almond butter for added flavor.

Banana Bread with Nut Butter

• Spread peanut or almond butter on top of a slice of banana bread. The creamy texture and nutty flavor complement the sweetness of the bread beautifully.

Banana Bread French Toast

• Dip slices of banana bread in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for a delicious twist on classic French toast.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair banana bread with fresh fruit such as berries or banana slices. This adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bread.

With Whipped Cream

• Top banana bread with whipped cream for a decadent dessert. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• Use slices of banana bread to create a breakfast sandwich filled with scrambled eggs and cheese. It’s a unique way to start your day!

How to Perfect Banana Bread

Perfecting your banana bread is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve the best results every time.

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense bread. A few lumps are okay!
• Check for doneness: Insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
• Cool before slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. This helps maintain its moisture.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra texture and taste.
• Store properly: Keep leftover banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature to maintain its freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread

Banana bread pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt offers tanginess that complements the sweetness of banana bread perfectly.
2. Cottage Cheese: The mild flavor of cottage cheese provides protein and works well as a spread on warm slices.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, balancing out the richness of the banana bread.
4. Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a warm cup alongside your slice enhances both flavors and makes for a comforting experience.
5. Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits can be served as a hearty breakfast alongside banana bread.
6. Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides crunch and healthy fats, making it an excellent snack option next to your slice.
7. Jam or Marmalade: Spreading jam or marmalade on your banana bread adds an additional layer of sweetness and flavor.
8. Dark Chocolate Squares: Pairing dark chocolate squares offers rich contrast, making it an indulgent treat when served together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana bread can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using underripe bananas – Underripe bananas lack the sweetness and flavor needed for a moist banana bread. Always choose overripe bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
• Not measuring ingredients properly – Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Skipping the oven preheating step – Not preheating can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing the banana bread in.
• Opening the oven door too often – Frequent opening can cause temperature fluctuations, affecting how the bread rises. Only check towards the end of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to keep it fresh.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture if you plan on enjoying them throughout the week.

Freezing Banana Bread

• For longer storage, freeze banana bread wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Slice before freezing for convenient thawing of individual portions.

Reheating Banana Bread

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F), wrap the banana bread in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making banana bread that might help you.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your banana bread is ready!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my banana bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Why is my banana bread dense?

A dense texture may result from overmixing or using too much flour. Be sure to measure accurately and mix gently.

How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread can last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

This delicious banana bread recipe is not only easy to make but also highly versatile. You can customize it with nuts or chocolate chips according to your preference. Enjoy a slice as breakfast or dessert—it’s simply irresistible!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Banana Bread

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of homemade Banana Bread. This delightful treat is perfect for any time of the day, whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this moist and flavorful loaf comes together in less than 20 minutes of preparation. The rich aroma of ripe bananas fills your kitchen, drawing everyone in for a slice. Customize it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain—either way, this banana bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 overripe bananas
• ½ cup canola oil
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup caster sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups plain flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan/convection or 180°C (355°F) for standard ovens. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas and mix in canola oil, milk, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir until just combined; some lumps are fine.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45–55 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 33mg