Are you searching for a banana bread recipe that’s extra moist, bursting with flavor, and easy to make? Look no further! This classic banana bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, buttery richness, toasted walnuts, and sweet raisins, resulting in a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Get ready to bake the best banana bread ever!
Ingredients 🛒
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup white sugar (or a scant cup of honey for a natural sweetener)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- 30 g (1.1 oz) melted butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions 🍽️
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with melted butter or line with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar (or honey) until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting a soft, tender crumb in your banana bread.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla until fully combined.
5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so be gentle!
7. Fold in Walnuts and Raisins
- Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins, spreading them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Transfer to the Loaf Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
9. Bake
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
10. Cool and Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice once it has cooled completely.
11. Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Spread a bit of butter on a slice for extra indulgence, if you like!
Tips for the Best Banana Bread 🍌💡
- Ripe Bananas 🍌: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread. Look for bananas that are brown and spotty for the best results.
- Toasting Walnuts 🌰: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Storing 🥖: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well—wrap slices individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
This banana bread recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With its super moist texture and rich, comforting flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any time of day. Enjoy every bite! 🥰
