Classic Banana Bread Recipe

Banana bread is one of the most popular and beloved recipes. Not only is it delicious and easy to make, but its also a great way to use up those overripe bananas on your counter. This classic banana bread recipe is the one I grew up with. It's a simple and delicious recipe that you can make in just a few steps.

Ingredients

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 overripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Add mashed bananas and mix well.
6. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

A single slice of this classic banana bread contains 237 calories, 10.7 grams of fat, 32.7 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.9 grams of protein. It also contains 2.3 grams of fiber and 18.3 grams of sugar. This makes it a great snack for those looking for something sweet and satisfying.

Tips and Tricks

For a sweeter banana bread, add ¼ cup of brown sugar to the wet ingredients. This will give it a deeper, richer flavor. You can also add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor. For an even more decadent treat, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

If you want to make this classic banana bread recipe even healthier, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and the butter with coconut oil. You can also reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and add in ½ cup of oats. This will not only make it healthier, but it will also add a delicious nutty flavor.

This classic banana bread is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick snack or a decadent dessert, this recipe is sure to please. So the next time you have overripe bananas on your counter, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!