Banana Bread
This cozy, buttery banana bread has an ultra-moist crumb and is perfect for snacks, breakfast, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Wet ingredients
- 3 pieces very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed Use freckled or black-skinned bananas for best flavor.
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sweetener
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
Dry ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour Measure by spooning into the cup to avoid a dense loaf.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (or 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder)
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional mix-ins & toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips Add before baking if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, baking soda (or powder), and salt to the banana mixture. Combine until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8x4 inch loaf pan. Bake for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before slicing.
Notes
For a savory twist, reduce sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Let the loaf cool at least 10 minutes in the pan before slicing cleanly.