Banana bread is a beloved classic that brings comfort and joy to any kitchen. Whether you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter or simply crave a delicious treat, this Quick and Easy Banana Bread Recipe is here to save the day! With just one bowl and simple ingredients, you can whip up a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Bowl Wonder: No need for multiple mixing bowls or complicated steps. Everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
- Moist and Flavorful: The secret to this banana bread’s moist texture lies in the ripe bananas and a touch of yogurt or sour cream.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for an extra twist.
Ingredients
To make this delicious banana bread, you will need:
- 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (you can adjust this based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Leave some small chunks for added texture if you like.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Then stir in the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and yogurt (if using).
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your banana bread tender.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Flour
Mix in the sugar until evenly distributed. Gradually fold in the flour until no streaks remain. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 6: Pour into Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
- Freezing: This banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Banana Bread Recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With its moist texture and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for any time of day. So gather those ripe bananas, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that’s as easy as it is delicious! Happy baking!