Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Bread made easy! Discover a moist, flavorful recipe perfect for breakfast or snacks. Simple ingredients, delicious results every time.
Ingredients
- 3 perfectly ripe bananas medium to large, mashed until smooth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar for just the right touch of sweetness
- Lightly whisk 2 large eggs to help combine all the ingredients.
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, sifted to ensure a lighter texture
- A teaspoon of baking soda ensures the bread rises perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt to balance the flavors
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract for warmth and depth
- 1 cup chopped walnuts toasted if you like a little extra crunch
- ½ cup raisins plump and juicy for natural sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a standard loaf pan (about 9 x 5 inches). Shake off any extra flour and place the pan to the side.
- In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast 1/2 cup of walnuts, stirring constantly to keep them from burning. Once they’re golden and fragrant, remove from heat, coarsely chop, and let cool to room temperature.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter together with 3/4 cup of sugar—or honey if you like a natural sweetener—until smooth and creamy. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Use a fork to mash 3 ripe bananas until they reach a chunky, applesauce-like consistency. Next, gently fold the mashed bananas into the mixture of creamed butter and sugar.
- Incorporate 2 large eggs and stir until the mixture is fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients by whisking together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing only until just combined and evenly blended. Avoid overmixing.
- Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then fold in the cooled chopped walnuts and a handful of raisins (about 1/2 cup or to taste).
- Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and gently even out the surface with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Allow the banana bread to sit in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully moving it onto a wire rack to cool fully.
