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The World’s Best Banana Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

A classic, moist, and flavorful banana bread recipe made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional nuts. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread combines simple ingredients into a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Banana Bread Base

  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the banana bread after baking.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy for the best sweetness and flavor.
  3. Add Butter and Sugar: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas to evenly distribute flavor. Then, add the granulated sugar and mix until the texture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
  4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition to build structure. Stir in the vanilla extract to add rich flavor to the mixture.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensuring the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed.
  6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using gentle folding motions, mixing just until the flour disappears to avoid a tough texture.
  7. Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using. Toasted nuts can enhance flavor and add crunch, but this step can be skipped for a smoother bread.
  8. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly with a spatula and gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
  9. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Notes

  • Use the ripest bananas possible for optimal sweetness and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender.
  • Butter can be substituted with an equal amount of oil for a different texture.
  • Adding chopped nuts is optional; you can also add chocolate chips or dried fruits to vary the flavor.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.

Find it online: https://fionafeasts.com/the-worlds-best-banana-bread-recipe/