This Banana Bread is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen as you whip up this heartwarming loaf!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy fresh banana bread in no time.
• Versatile Flavor: Perfectly sweetened with overripe bananas, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Moist Texture: The combination of oils and sugars ensures a dense, moist loaf that stays delicious for days.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is accessible for everyone to try.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of banana bread, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking paper
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf tin: A sturdy loaf tin is crucial for creating the perfect shape and ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to keep your ingredients organized while preparing the batter.
• Sifter: Sifting flour helps aerate it, resulting in a lighter texture in your banana bread.

this recipe

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 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

How to Make Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the 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 of the banana bread.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas well.
* Add canola oil, milk, caster sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
* Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift over the plain flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixing bowl.
* Stir gently until just combined; remember that a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread

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

Enjoy your homemade banana bread!

How to Serve Banana Bread

Banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Toasted with Butter

• A warm slice of banana bread toasted and spread with butter creates a rich and comforting flavor.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pairing banana bread with fresh fruits like berries or slices of apple adds a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.

Cream Cheese Spread

• A dollop of cream cheese on top of banana bread provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over your banana bread can elevate its sweetness and add a lovely sheen.

Served with Yogurt

• Enjoying banana bread alongside a bowl of yogurt makes for a balanced breakfast or snack, combining protein with the delicious flavors of the loaf.

How to Perfect Banana Bread

Creating the perfect banana bread requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are some ideas to ensure your loaf turns out just right.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
• Don’t Overmix: Stirring too much can lead to dense bread; mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: An accurate oven temperature ensures even baking; use an oven thermometer if necessary.
• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking.
• Cool Properly: Allowing the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes helps it set before transferring to a wire rack.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Bread

Banana bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some delicious options you might consider serving alongside your loaf.

1. Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein, making your snack filling and nutritious.
2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits refreshes the palate and balances the sweetness of the banana bread.
3. Peanut Butter: Spreading peanut butter on warm banana bread enhances its richness and provides extra protein.
4. Cottage Cheese: This offers a creamy texture while adding some savory notes that contrast well with the sweet loaf.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: Light yet satisfying, chia seed pudding adds an interesting texture alongside the moist banana bread.
6. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola can provide an appealing contrast in texture while enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana bread is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overripe bananas: Using bananas that are not ripe enough can result in a less sweet and flavorful loaf. Always choose very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
• Incorrect measurements: Baking is a science. Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Mixing too much: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps for a lighter texture.
• Not checking oven temperature: Ovens can vary. Using an oven thermometer ensures your banana bread bakes at the correct temperature for even cooking.
• Skipping cooling time: Cutting into the banana bread too soon can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store banana bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Banana Bread

• Duration: Freeze banana bread for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding banana bread that may help you.

How do I know when my Banana Bread is done?

You can check if your banana bread is done by inserting a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your banana bread.

What makes Banana Bread moist?

The key ingredients like overripe bananas and oil contribute moisture. Be sure not to overmix the batter as well!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Banana Bread recipe?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or swap sugars based on your preference.

How should I store leftover Banana Bread?

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with nuts, spices, or even different types of sweeteners. It makes for a perfect snack or breakfast option that everyone will love—give this recipe a try today!

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Banana Bread

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

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Description

Indulge in the comforting goodness of this homemade Banana Bread, a delightful treat that will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this sweet bread any day of the week. Customize it with nuts or spices to suit your taste, and savor every slice of this heartwarming classic!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan/convection or 180°C (355°F) for standard. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas. Add the canola oil, milk, caster sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture. Stir gently until just combined; some lumps are okay.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
5. Let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Ensure you use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness. Experiment by adding nuts or chocolate chips if desired. Don’t overmix; it’s okay to leave some lumps in the batter.