Easy Banana Bread with a Moist and Flavorful Crumb
Banana bread is one of the most classic and beloved baked goods, and for good reason! It's simple to make, uses up those overripe bananas that no one wants to eat, and is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe takes the classic banana bread and makes it even more delicious with a moist and flavorful crumb. Follow these easy steps to make the perfect banana bread!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until they are almost smooth. Mix in the melted butter.
3. Add baking soda and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix - this can result in a tough, dry bread.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check the bread with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the bread is cooked through. If there is still batter on the toothpick, return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
8. When the bread is done, let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Slice and serve warm.
Tips for making perfect banana bread:
- Use overripe bananas. They should be very soft and almost black on the outside. This will ensure that the bread has a sweet, banana flavor.
- Mix the wet ingredients together first. This helps to prevent overmixing the dry ingredients, which can make the bread dry and tough.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the bread - if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If there is still batter on the toothpick, return to the oven for a few more minutes.
- Let the bread cool before slicing. This will help it hold its shape and make it easier to slice.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for a delicious twist on classic banana bread.
- Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or coconut extract for a different flavor profile.
- Top the bread with a streusel topping made from butter, flour, and brown sugar for added sweetness and texture.
In conclusion, banana bread is a classic and delicious baked good that is perfect for using up those overripe bananas. This recipe takes the basic banana bread and adds a moist and flavorful crumb, making it even more irresistible. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can make the perfect banana bread every time. Enjoy!