When I’m looking for a simple and delicious way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on my counter, I think of this easy banana bread recipe. It takes only a few minutes to mix up, and the results are soft, moist, and absolutely delicious. Plus, I don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup of melted butter
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions
- First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). I also grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to make sure the banana bread doesn’t stick.
- I start by peeling the bananas and mashing them in a large bowl. I like to use a fork, but a potato masher can also be used. The bananas should be soft and almost liquid-like.
- Next, I stir in the melted butter. Then, I add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. I mix it all together until it looks smooth.
- I sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture. Then, I gently fold in the flour. I mix until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix because that can make the bread tough.
- Now, I pour the batter into the loaf pan. I spread it out evenly so it bakes well.
- I place the pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. I know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it needs more time, I just leave it in for another 5-10 minutes.
- Once baked, I let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, I take it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips
I find that this banana bread is perfect as is. I can always add extras to suit my taste. Sometimes, I throw in a handful of chocolate chips, nuts, or a dash of cinnamon.