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Soft Banana Bread Recipe

Soft Banana Bread Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

This Soft Banana Bread recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf, perfectly balanced with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional nuts for added texture. Easy to prepare and ideal for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Mixture

  • 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining for texture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the mashed bananas. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
  7. Fold in Nuts: If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and nutty flavor.
  8. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too fast, tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve its soft texture.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense bread texture.
  • Walnuts or pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Store banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, soft banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana nut bread, quick bread

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/soft-banana-bread-recipe/