Description

Banana bread is a moist, sweet loaf made from overripe bananas, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easily made gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar to suit diverse dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

– 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

– 2 tsp baking powder

– ½ tsp baking soda

– ¾ tsp salt

– 1½ cups granulated sugar (substitute sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit or stevia for low-sugar diets)

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (substitute coconut oil or applesauce for vegan diets)

– 2 large eggs (substitute flax eggs for vegan diets)

– 3–4 medium overripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)

– ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Mix-Ins:

– 1 cup mini chocolate chips (substitute dairy-free chips for vegan diets)

– Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins of choice

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until creamy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not over-mix.
Fold in optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

– Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert / Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: ~250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg