While most often think of Banana Bread as a breakfast food, it can be enjoyed all day. Make this recipe for The Best Banana Bread and enjoy it as a mid-morning snack with a steaming mug of coffee or an after-school snack; your kids will be delighted. You can also serve them as a light dessert after dinner or have a few as a late-night snack.
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What is Banana Bread?
Banana bread is a type of bread made from mashed bananas. It is typically a sweet, moist, cake-like bread often served as a dessert or a snack. The bread can be made with various ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, or oil and leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder. Some recipes also include nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. Banana bread is a popular recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a snack at any time of the day.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour: a versatile wheat flour that is commonly used in baking.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking powder: is another leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt: this is a coarse salt that adds flavor to the bread.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: is a fat that helps keep the bread moist and tender.
- Light brown sugar or granulated sugar: a sweetener that adds flavor and sweetness to the bread.
- Eggs: provide structure and help to bind the ingredients together.
- Mashed ripe bananas: the main ingredient that provides flavor, texture, and moisture to the bread.
- Fresh lemon juice: helps to enhance the flavor of the bananas and adds a slightly tangy taste to the bread.
- Pure vanilla extract: adds flavor and aroma to the bread.
- Saigon Cinnamon Powder: a type of cinnamon that adds warmth and spice to the bread.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Banana Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (176.67 °C). Use butter and lightly flour in a 9x5-inch metal loaf pan. Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the avocado oil, salt, and sugar until blended, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well until combined after each addition. Mix well with the mashed bananas, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. (The mixture may look a little curdled at this point). If you're using unsalted butter, beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Do not over-mix! Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake the banana bread until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: If you want to make the bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Some gluten-free flour blends include rice flour, almond flour, or a pre-made gluten-free flour blend.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: You could substitute another type of oil or fat for the avocado oil or unsalted butter. For example, you could use vegetables, coconut, or melted and cooled coconut butter. Just be aware that the flavor and texture of the bread may be affected.
- Light brown sugar or granulated sugar: You could substitute honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for the sugar. Remember that these liquid sweeteners will affect the texture and moisture level of the bread, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
- Eggs: If you are vegan or allergic to eggs, use a flax or chia egg instead. To make a flax or chia egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel. This mixture can be used as a substitute for 1 egg in the recipe.
- Saigon Cinnamon Powder: You could use another type of cinnamon if you don't have Saigon powder. Some examples include Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon, or Chinese cinnamon. The flavor of the bread may be slightly different, depending on the type of cinnamon you use.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add a delicious chocolatey twist to the bread.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bread.
- Coconut Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add a tropical flavor and texture to the bread.
- Banana Nutella Bread: Swirl ½ cup of Nutella into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add a rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor to the bread.
- Banana Blueberry Bread: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add a fruity twist to the bread.
- Banana Bread French Toast: Slice the banana bread and dip it in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Cook the slices on a greased griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
How to Serve
- Sliced and plain: Slice the banana bread into pieces and serve as is. This is a simple and classic way to enjoy bread.
- Toasted with butter or cream cheese: Toast a slice of banana bread and spread some butter or cream cheese on top. This adds a delicious layer of richness to the bread.
- Topped with fruit or jam: Top a slice of banana bread with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas. You could also spread some jam or jelly on top for a sweet and fruity twist.
- Served warm with ice cream: Warm a slice of banana bread in the microwave or oven and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes a delicious dessert or indulgent snack.
- Drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce: Drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top of a slice of banana bread for a decadent treat.
- Paired with coffee or tea: Enjoy a slice of banana bread with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting snack.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Once the Banana Bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You could also freeze the Banana Bread for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176.67°C). Take the bread out of the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until it is warmed through. Alternatively, microwave a slice of Banana Bread on high for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to check the temperature before eating to avoid burns. If you freeze the bread, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead
You can mash the bananas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You could also measure the dry ingredients and store them in a resealable bag or container until you're ready to make the bread.
How to Freeze
To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the bag or container with the date and contents. The bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy the Banana Bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours until it reaches room temperature. Once thawed, you can reheat the bread in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven. Remember that the bread's texture may be slightly different after freezing, but it should still be delicious.
Tips for Making The Best Banana Bread
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, giving the bread a more intense banana flavor and a moist texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough and dense bread. Instead, mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
- Use a metal loaf pan: A metal pan will distribute heat more evenly than a glass or ceramic pan, which can result in more evenly baked bread.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to the right temperature before baking the bread. This will ensure that the bread bakes evenly and fully.
- Test for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to test if the bread is done. Insert it into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Let the bread cool: Once it is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it. This will help the bread to set and prevent it from falling apart.
- Store the bread properly: Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Experiment with variations: Add ingredients to the bread, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to create unique flavor combinations.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas in this Banana Bread recipe?
You can use frozen bananas. Let them thaw completely before mashing them and adding them to the batter.
Can I substitute baking soda for baking powder in this Banana Bread recipe?
No, baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable. Baking soda is a base and requires an acid to activate while baking powder combines baking soda and acid. Therefore, you can't use baking soda instead of baking powder or vice versa in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
You can use a different type of sugar, such as granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup, but remember that it may affect the texture and sweetness of the bread.
Can I use a different type of oil or fat in this recipe?
You can use a different type of oil or fat, such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or melted butter, but remember that it may affect the flavor and texture of the bread.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend in this recipe?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend, but remember that it may affect the texture and moisture of the bread.
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Recipe
Easy Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 232 g (1-¾ cups) all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
- 4 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher
- ½ cup avocado oil or 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 152 g (¾ cup) light brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas , from 2-3 medium-sized bananas
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Saigon Cinnamon Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (176.67 °C). Butter and lightly flour a 9x5-inch metal loaf pan. Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the avocado oil, salt, and sugar until blended, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well until combined after each addition. Add the mashed bananas, lemon juice, and vanilla extract and mix well. (The mixture may look a little curdled at this point).If you're using unsalted butter, beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Do not over-mix! Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake the banana bread until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Once the Banana Bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You could also freeze the Banana Bread for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176.67°C). Take the bread out of the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until it is warmed through. Alternatively, microwave a slice of Banana Bread on high for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to check the temperature before eating to avoid burns. If you freeze the bread, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.