Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery! This Prize-Winning Banana Bread isn't just another recipe - it's a game-changing, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. With perfectly ripe bananas, a touch of vanilla, and a foolproof method, you're about to create the most incredible banana bread that practically melts in your mouth. Get ready to become the baking superstar of your social circle!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly and rises properly.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. It's okay if there are a few small lumps; this will add texture to your bread.
- Add the 1/3 cup of melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. The butter should be slightly cooled to prevent cooking the bananas.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt into the banana mixture. This will help your bread rise and enhance the flavor.
- Next, add 3/4 cup of sugar to the mixture. You can adjust the sugar to your taste, but this amount will give you a nice sweetness.
- Beat in 1 large egg until the mixture is well combined. This will help bind the ingredients together.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor. This will give your banana bread a lovely aroma and taste.
- Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Once the batter is mixed, pour it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can use non-stick spray or butter to grease the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your prize-winning banana bread! It can be served warm or at room temperature and makes a delicious snack or breakfast treat.
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with deep brown or black spots.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test - insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool entirely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help it set properly.
- Storage Hack: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Optional Add-Ins: Enhance your bread with chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
