Best Banana Bread Recipe

why make this recipe

Banana bread is a cozy treat that brings warmth and comfort. It’s simple to make and a great way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. This recipe creates a moist, flavorful loaf, studded with crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Plus, the smell of banana bread baking will fill your home, making it a delightful experience.

how to make Best Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups walnuts (coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large overripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/4 cup plain whole fat yogurt
• 2 large eggs (beaten lightly)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, plus more for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional, Captain Morgan brand)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch (23×12 cm) loaf pan.
2. Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes or until fragrant. Let them cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, toasted walnuts, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. If using, stir in the rum.
5. Gently fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula. Mix just until combined. The batter should be thick and chunky.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan, slice, and serve warm.

how to serve Best Banana Bread

Slice the banana bread warm and enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter on top for extra richness. You can also serve it with cream cheese or peanut butter for a tasty twist. It pairs nicely with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

how to store Best Banana Bread

To store banana bread, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for about 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing!

tips to make Best Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas, as they provide the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if it remains a bit lumpy.
• If you like, add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
• Adjust the sugar to your preference. You can reduce it if you prefer a less sweet bread.

variation

You can experiment with different nuts, like pecans or almonds, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before mashing.

2. How can I tell when the banana bread is done?
Check for a golden brown top and use a cake tester. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

3. Can I make this banana bread without walnuts?
Absolutely! You can leave out the walnuts or substitute them with chocolate chips or other nuts.

Best Banana Bread

This moist and flavorful banana bread is made with overripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups walnuts (coarsely chopped) Toast before adding

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large overripe bananas (mashed) Use very ripe for best flavor
• 1/4 cup plain whole fat yogurt
• 2 large eggs (beaten lightly)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, plus more for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional) Captain Morgan brand suggested

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (23x12 cm) loaf pan.
2. Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, toasted walnuts, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. If using, stir in the rum.
5. Gently fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days at room temperature. In the fridge, it lasts up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.