A warm, tender banana bread that fills your kitchen with the smell of comfort. Simple to make, no mixer required, and perfect with tea, coffee, or milk.
Ingredients:
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the sweeter)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed, for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice note
Instructions:
- Prep Oven & Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash Bananas:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Add eggs, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the bananas.
- Whisk or stir with a spoon until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
- Fold Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
- Fold gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread may become dense.
- Add Extras (Optional):
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins if using.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (or freeze for longer storage).
Tips for Extra Moisture & Flavor:
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer.
- Brown sugar helps retain moisture; you can replace half with white sugar if you prefer lighter sweetness.
- Adding a tablespoon of sour cream, yogurt, or even milk can make the bread even more tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Spread with butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese.
- Toast slices lightly and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack.