Banana Bread is one of the most beloved classics in the United States and around the world. Its moist texture, sweet aroma, and ease of preparation make it an ideal recipe for both beginners and baking enthusiasts.
Perfect for using ripe bananas, this fluffy and nutritious bread is enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert accompanied by a cup of coffee.
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Classic Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Rectangular loaf panapprox. 22×12 cm or similar
- 2 Large bowlsone for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ones
- 1 Fork or potato masherto mash the ripe bananas
- Measuring spoons and cupsfor accurate ingredients
- Hand whisk or electric mixerto incorporate eggs and mixture
- 1 Silicone spatulato gently fold in the flour and scrape the bowl
- 1 Sieve or strainerfor the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon
- Knife and cutting bo
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rackto let the bread rest without the base getting soggy
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas very black on the outside, sweeter on the inside
- ½ cup 115 g melted butter
- ¾ cup 150 g sugar (can be brown for more moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoonful of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups 190 g all-purpose wheat flour
- 1 teaspoonful baking soda
- ½ teaspoonful of salt
- ½ teaspoonful ground cinnamon optional, for more aroma
- ½ cup walnuts or chocolate chips optional, to add extra texture
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F).
- Grease a 22×12 cm rectangular loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until combined.
- Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add to the banana mixture, folding gently.
- Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if you want a tastier, more textured bread.
- Pour the mixture into the pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and place on a rack to cool completely.
- Serve in slices with coffee, tea, or milk.
Vidéo
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- If you want more moisture, use brown sugar or add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt.
- It keeps for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or 5 days refrigerated.
- It can also be frozen in slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight bag.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of Banana Bread
Banana bread is much more than a homemade and comforting dessert; it can also provide interesting health benefits when prepared with the right ingredients and consumed in moderation. Its main ingredient, ripe banana, is one of the most complete fruits: it provides potassium, essential for the heart and muscles, as well as soluble fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain satiety for longer, thus reducing cravings between meals.
To this is added the contribution of eggs, rich in high-quality proteins that help in the formation and repair of tissues, and flour, which in whole grain versions adds even more fiber and micronutrients. If extra ingredients such as walnuts, almonds, or seeds are incorporated, banana bread is enriched with healthy fats, antioxidants, and omega-3s, which contribute to cardiovascular well-being and brain health.
Another important benefit is that it is a recipe that encourages the use of food. Ripe bananas, which are often discarded because of their appearance, find in this bread a second life full of flavor and nutrients. In this way, banana bread turns out to be not only a comforting and versatile food, but also a choice that combines nutrition with sustainability.
According to an article from Healthline about the benefits of bananas, this fruit is rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to cardiovascular and digestive health (Healthline).
History of Banana Bread
Banana bread has its roots in the United States, where it began to gain popularity in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. In those years, households looked for creative ways to make the most of food, and overripe bananas, instead of being discarded, were transformed into a moist, sweet, and very easy-to-make bread. This recipe quickly spread thanks to its practicality and the fact that it required simple and inexpensive ingredients.
The definitive rise of banana bread came when major flour and baking brands began including it in their recipe books and promotional packaging. Thus, it went from being a homemade solution for using up food to becoming a classic of American baking. Over time, its popularity spread to other countries, becoming a symbol of culinary ingenuity and an example of how simplicity can give rise to a memorable dish.
Today, banana bread is one of the most baked breads in the world and remains a favorite in family kitchens. Its versatility has given rise to countless versions: from the traditional with walnuts to more modern ones with chocolate, oats, or alternative flours. This evolution demonstrates how a recipe born out of necessity transformed into a universal icon of homemade baking.
The banana bread it is a timeless classic that combines flavor, practicality, and tradition. With simple ingredients and an accessible process, it becomes an ideal recipe for both beginners and baking enthusiasts. In addition to being delicious, it offers nutritional benefits thanks to the banana and other ingredients that you can customize to your taste.
Whether as breakfast, a snack, or dessert with a cup of coffee, this bread is the perfect option to enjoy a homemade and comforting bite that never goes out of style.
Note and Credits
This recipe and information is based on reliable sources:
- Benefits of bananas: Healthline
- History of banana bread: King Arthur Baking
👉 All content has been adapted and written for informational and gastronomic purposes.
Answers ans Questions
What happens if I use overripe or less ripe bananas?
Using very ripe bananas intensifies the banana flavor, although it doesn’t necessarily make it sweeter. Ideally, use bananas with brown spots and a bit of yellow to balance flavor and texture.
How many bananas should I use to achieve the perfect consistency?
A practical experiment showed that using three medium bananas gives a banana bread with balanced moisture, good flavor, and ideal texture — the version with four was too moist and somewhat gummy, while the one with two was dry and lacking flavor.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Banana bread freezes very well without losing flavor or texture. It is recommended to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and then store it in the freezer — in line with the recommended techniques for freezing bananas and baked goods.
Can banana bread be made without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with ¼ cup of applesauce or yogurt for each egg.
What happens if I use bananas that are not very ripe?
The bread will be less sweet and less moist. Ideally, use bananas with very dark peels.
How can I prevent banana bread from turning out dry?
Do not overbake. Remove it when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make gluten-free Banana Bread?
Yes, just replace the flour with a gluten-free blend in the same proportion.
