Perfect Banana Bread Recipe

Are overripe bananas cluttering your kitchen counter? Many people face the challenge of using up these surplus fruits before they spoil.

The frustration of not knowing what to do with them can lead to waste and missed opportunities for delicious treats. Luckily, there’s a simple and satisfying solution.

This banana bread recipe is the perfect way to turn those overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2. Mash the Bananas

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they reach a smooth consistency, similar to baby food. It’s fine if the bananas are not perfectly smooth.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas and room-temperature eggs to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

5. Add Flavor and Mix-ins

Stir in the vanilla extract, raisins, and toasted walnuts. Fold the mixture gently with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

6. Prepare the Pan

Grease a loaf pan with a small amount of butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Shake out any excess flour.

7. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy.

Tips

• Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Additions: If preferred, you can omit the raisins or walnuts, or substitute with other mix-ins such as chocolate chips or dried fruit.

This banana bread is a delightful treat, combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the added texture of raisins and walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it’s sure to be a favorite in your recipe collection.

Conclusion

Incorporating overripe bananas into this banana bread recipe not only reduces waste but also delivers a delightful, homemade treat. With its soft texture and rich flavor enhanced by raisins and toasted walnuts, this bread is versatile and easy to prepare.

Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, this banana bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of baking your own bread, and savor the delicious results with every slice.