Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9 × 5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

1. 1. Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Measure 1½ cups.

   2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add beaten egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.

   3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

1. 1. Fold Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture with a spatula, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain—avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.

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   2. Bake the Bread: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

   3. Cool and Slice: Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the loaf and transfer to a wire rack. Cool another 20 minutes before slicing to preserve shape and texture.

Nutritional Information

(Per 1 inch slice; yields 10 slices)

• • Calories: 185 kcal

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• • Protein: 2 g

  • Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• • Sugars: 12 g

  • Total Fat: 7 g

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  • Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Sodium: 145 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Banana bread rose to prominence in the United States during the Great Depression, when homemakers sought to minimize waste by using overripe bananas. Early recipes appeared in 1930s cookbooks as part of the quick-bread craze, which celebrated recipes leavened by baking soda or powder rather than yeast, perfect for home bakers without specialized equipment. Its enduring popularity stems from ease of preparation, affordability, and the versatility to customize with mix-ins like nuts, chocolate, or spices. Today, banana bread is a global staple, found in cafés, bakeries, and home kitchens year-round.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• • Effortless Preparation: One-bowl method and no yeast required.

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  • Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and ripe bananas.

  • Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit preferences.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for days and freezes well.

• Versatile Serving: Enjoy at breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

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Health Benefits

• • Potassium-Rich: Bananas supply potassium for heart and muscle function.

• • Energy Boost: Natural sugars and carbohydrates provide quick energy.

  • Mood-Lifting: Bananas contain tryptophan, a serotonin precursor.

  • Calcium Source: Milk, if added, boosts calcium; optional add-ins like nuts add healthy fats.

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• Digestive Support: Bananas contain prebiotic fiber to feed gut bacteria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• • Overmixing Batter: Leads to a dense, gummy crumb—fold just until ingredients combine.

  • Underripe Bananas: Yield less sweetness and banana flavor—use very ripe, spotted bananas.

  • Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures accurate baking; too hot browns edges before center bakes.

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• Skipping Cooling Step: Slicing too early can result in a gummy interior—allow adequate cooling.

• Measuring Flour Incorrectly: Spoon and level to avoid a dry, heavy loaf.

Cooking Tips

• • Banana Measurement: Mash bananas first to ensure correct volume.

  • Room-Temperature Ingredients: Use butter and egg at room temperature for even mixing.

  • Pan Placement: Center the loaf pan in the oven for uniform baking.

• Tent Loaf: Cover with foil halfway if top is browning too quickly.

• Freeze Extras: Wrap cooled slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star of this loaf, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and aroma. As bananas ripen and develop brown speckles, starches convert to sugars, intensifying flavor and making them perfect for baking. Overripe bananas also contribute to a moist crumb and tender texture. Always store bananas at room temperature until spots appear and then use within a day or two for best results.

Conclusion

This Classic Banana Bread recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that celebrates the humble banana in its sweetest, most comforting form. With a straightforward method, adaptable mix-in options, and a tender crumb, it’s perfect for bakers of any skill level. Serve warm or at room temperature and pair with your favorite accompaniment—its versatile nature makes it an ideal treat for every occasion. Keep this recipe in your repertoire for an easy, delicious way to turn ripe bananas into pure baking bliss.