The Best Banana Bread

How can I call this the best banana bread recipe? Because I am picky.

I do not like dry banana bread.  I do not like bland banana bread. And it had better not fall apart in my hand.

I tried a lot of recipes for banana bread (because bananas get overripe ridiculously fast and you can only drink so many smoothies) before I settled contentedly on this one. I have not made banana bread from another recipe for, let’s see, about 15 years.

Banana bread is really pretty straightforward. Nothing fancy. Still, my kids wait in the kitchen when they smell it cooking, and are willing to risk a tongue burn to get some in their mouths! I really like it with pecans, but my family prefers it without nuts. So sometimes I make a double batch. Heheh. And when I add chocolate chips? I win the “Best Mama” prize.

Banana Bread Tips

1. If your bananas are overripe but you don’t have time to use them right away, peel them and pop them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Ideally they should be laid flat and not touching. If you come across a clearance deal on bananas, peel them and freeze them on a cookie sheet first (again not touching) then pack them in a bag. If the bananas freeze while they are touching, you may end up with a huge hunk of inseparable bananas.
2. You can use fresh or frozen bananas in banana bread. If you are using frozen bananas, let the bananas defrost in the bag on a plate before you use them. Don’t throw out the liquid that will be there when they defrost – use that along with the banana or you’ll end up with a dry bread.
3. I like to use a potato masher, a bowl with a flat bottom, and a small child to mash up the bananas. Works perfectly!
4. You can substitute whole wheat pastry flour for the white flour in this recipe, and it still comes out nice and light, but whole grain.
5. To reduce sugar, measure the brown sugar loosely (don’t pack.) You could alternately use 3/4 c sucanat, or 2/3 c honey.

The Best Banana Bread

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 10 mins

 

Moist and sweet, this banana bread recipe will become a family favorite! Dress it up with chocolate chips or pecans, or just eat it plain. Watch it disappear!

Author: Blossoms and Posies

Recipe type: bread

Serves: 8

You'll need...

• 3 large over ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup brown sugar (loosely packed)
• 3 Tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Here's what to do...

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Beat egg in a large bowl; add mashed bananas, sugar and butter and stir well.
3. Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder in small bowl, then stir into banana mixture.
4. (Optional - add ½ cup chocolate chips and/or pecans)
5. Bake in 5"x9" greased loaf pan for 1 hour (or 3 mini pans for 30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

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