Everywhere on my timeline, people are baking banana bread. It could be that we have extra and overripe bananas on hand, or because it’s so easy to make, or because it’s so loved, or all of the above.
I hoarded some underripe bananas for a few days to bake banana bread too, with my kids, I didn’t really have a recipe, so I searched for one that had the best reviews and found this one at Food.com. The result? A really light and fluffy loaf – not too sweet, and just the right number of bananas.
I’ve added the recipe to my favourites file, and next time, I’ll look at adding some chopped walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips, or even coffee.
It’s great to get toddlers and older kids involved with this – under your supervision, they can do the mashing of bananas, the mixing, the measuring, and any pouring.
The bread is perfect on its own, but I imagine it would work well too with butter, peanut butter or Nutella, plain or toasted. Yum!
“The result? A really light and fluffy loaf – not too sweet, and just the right number of bananas.”
Banana bread
Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 bananas, finely crushed (for serious and extremely moist and delicious, try 4 bananas)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. vanilla (optional)
Method
- Preheat oven to 180ºC.
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and crushed bananas.
- Combine well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Add vanilla.
- Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour into greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake at 180ºC for 55 minutes.
- Keeps well, refrigerated.
FAQs on Banana Bread
What type of bananas should I use for banana bread?
Use overripe bananas that are soft and heavily speckled or even blackened. These bananas mash easily and impart a sweeter flavour to the bread.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread recipe?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips enhances the texture and flavour of the banana bread. Fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the loaf pan.
What is the best way to mash bananas for banana bread?
To ensure a smooth texture, use a fork or a potato masher to finely crush the bananas until no large chunks remain. The smoother the bananas, the more evenly they will distribute throughout the bread.
Can I substitute butter with oil in the banana bread recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the softened butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This substitution can make the bread moister and can also be a good option for those avoiding dairy.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the centre of the bread after 55 minutes of baking at 180ºC. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
Can I make banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can make eggless banana bread by substituting each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce, mashed bananas, or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. These alternatives provide moisture and binding similar to eggs.
How should I store banana bread?
Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and moisture. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Alternatively, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, to freeze banana bread, wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminium foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
What can I spread on banana bread?
Banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance its flavour by spreading slices with butter, peanut butter, Nutella, or even cream cheese. These spreads complement the bread’s sweetness and add variety to each bite.
Why is my banana bread dense and not fluffy?
Dense banana bread can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can lead to a dense texture. Also, measure the flour accurately using the spoon and level method.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavour and denser texture to the bread. For a lighter texture, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together before adding them to the wet ingredients ensures even distribution and helps prevent lumps in the batter. This step is not essential but can contribute to a lighter and more uniform banana bread.
What is the role of baking powder in banana bread?
Baking powder is a leavening agent that creates bubbles of carbon dioxide in the batter, causing it to rise and become airy during baking. It helps the banana bread achieve a fluffy and light texture.
Can I add vanilla extract to the banana bread recipe?
Yes, adding ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavour profile of the banana bread, complementing the natural sweetness of the bananas. It adds a subtle aroma and depth of flavour to each slice.
How long should I let banana bread cool before slicing?
After baking, allow the banana bread to cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Transfer the bread to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing into neat, even slices. Enjoy the bread warm or at room temperature.
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