Traditional Banana Bread

Warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible! 🍌🍞 Perfect for any day. 😋

1. Let’s Start Here:

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. This classic recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, delicious treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

2. Required Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

3. Cooking Guide:

Begin by mashing the ripe bananas and combining them with the wet ingredients. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, generously butter a 9x5x3-inch (23x13x8 cm) loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking. Make sure to coat all the corners and sides of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a tender bread.

Step 3: Incorporate the eggs

Add the eggs to the creamed sugar and butter mixture, one at a time. After adding each egg, beat the mixture well to ensure it's fully incorporated. This step helps to create a smooth and emulsified batter.

Step 4: Mash the bananas

In a small bowl, place the ripe bananas. Use a fork to thoroughly mash the bananas until they reach a smooth, pulpy consistency. Ensure there are no large lumps for a consistent flavor distribution.

Step 5: Combine banana mixture

Add the milk and cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined. This will create a flavorful wet mixture that will be added to the batter later.

Step 6: Mix dry ingredients

In another medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. This prevents clumps and helps the bread rise properly.

Step 7: Combine wet and butter mixtures

Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the creamed butter and sugar. Gently stir until just combined, ensuring no streaks of banana mixture remain. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 8: Incorporate dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir until the batter is smooth and there are no visible lumps of flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 9: Pour and bake

Pour the prepared batter into the buttered loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Check for doneness

To ensure the bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Step 11: Cool and serve

Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the bread to set properly and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

4. Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of warm banana bread on its own, or spread with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 8 servings, Calories: 370kcal, Protein: 6g, Fat: 13g, Carbohydrates: 59g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 31g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 502mg

6. One Last Bite:

Traditional Banana Bread is a timeless classic that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're using up overripe bananas or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Bake a loaf today and share the warmth!