Classic Banana Bread
This classic banana bread is incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and loaded with banana flavor. The secret is using very ripe bananas - the blacker the better! Add walnuts for extra crunch or chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add baking soda and salt, and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve plain or with butter.
Chef's Tips
- The riper the bananas, the more flavor and sweetness
- Freeze overripe bananas for future baking
- Add chocolate chips for a chocolate banana bread
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days