There is something undeniably comforting about the smell of baking in the kitchen. It warms up the entire house. Honestly, nothing beats the aroma of a classic Easy Banana Bread Recipe in the oven.
We have all been there with a few brown bananas sitting on the counter. You might wonder what to do with them. Throwing them away feels like a waste.
Instead of tossing them out, you can turn them into something delicious. This Homemade Banana Bread Recipe is the answer to your problem. It is simple, sweet, and deeply satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this treat for so many reasons. First, the texture is incredible. This is truly a Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe that stays soft for days.
The secret ingredient is the plain yogurt. It adds a lovely tang and keeps the crumb tender. You do not need fancy equipment to get a bakery quality result right at home.
Another reason this recipe shines is the topping. Most recipes stop at the batter. This one goes a step further with a caramelized nut topping.
The mixture of butter, maple syrup, and walnuts creates a crunchy layer. It contrasts beautifully with the soft bread underneath. It turns a standard snack into a real treat.
This is also a very Quick Banana Bread to prepare. The hands on time is minimal. You just mix, pour, and bake.
It is budget friendly too. You use basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients
To make this Easy Banana Bread Recipe, you will need two sets of ingredients. One set is for the moist batter, and the other is for that sticky, crunchy topping.
For The Bread Batter
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 3 medium bananas (mashed, about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnut
For The Caramelized Nut Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Homemade Banana Bread Recipe is straightforward. Just follow these steps to ensure you get the best results every single time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when your batter is ready.
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. You do not want the bread to stick.
Line the pan with a strip of parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bread out later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Whisk these together lightly. This helps distribute the baking soda and spice evenly. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. If you do not have one, a hand mixer works fine too.
Cream the room temperature butter and brown sugar together. Beat them for about 4 minutes.
You want the mixture to look light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, which is key for a soft texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time. Mix for about 20 seconds after each egg breaks.
Next, pour in the vanilla extract, plain yogurt, and your mashed bananas. The yogurt ensures this remains a Super Moist Banana Bread Recipe.
Mix everything until it is fully incorporated. It might look a little curdled, but that is totally normal.
Step 5: Combine Batter
Pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.
Be careful not to overmix here. Stop when you see no more flour pockets. Gently fold in the cup of coarsely chopped walnuts.
Transfer this batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out so it sits evenly.
Step 6: Make the Topping
Now for the fun part. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over medium heat.
Stir in the maple syrup and whisk it well. Add the chopped walnuts to the pan.
Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir constantly so it does not burn. It should thicken slightly.
Spoon this delicious topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes.
Check the bread after 30 minutes. If the top is getting too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it set.
Lift the bread out using the parchment paper overhang. Let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Easy Banana Bread Recipe, you want to keep them fresh. Proper storage is the trick.
Wait until the loaf is completely cool. Wrapping warm bread can create condensation. That leads to soggy crusts.
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This seals in the moisture.
You can store it at room temperature for up to three days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They thaw out quickly for a fast snack.
Tips
Want to make sure your Easy Banana Bread Recipe turns out amazing? Here are a few helpful pointers.
First, use very ripe bananas. You want bananas with brown spots or even blackened skins. They are sweeter and mash easily.
Make sure you mash the bananas thoroughly. You can use a fork or a potato masher. You want a smooth consistency without large lumps.
Use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or butter do not blend well. Room temperature ingredients create a smoother batter.
Do not overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, mix gently. Overmixing makes the bread tough instead of tender.
Always test for doneness. Every oven is different. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing. If you cut into it too early, it might crumble. Give it 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.
You can also customize this Quick Banana Bread. Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans if you prefer.
Conclusion
Baking at home does not have to be complicated. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe proves that simple ingredients can make something wonderful.
Whether you make it for breakfast or a late night snack, it is sure to please. The combination of soft bread and caramelized nuts is a winner.
So the next time you see those spotted bananas on the counter, do not hesitate. Whip up this Homemade Banana Bread Recipe and enjoy a slice of comfort.
It is a great way to reduce waste and treat yourself at the same time. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you can. Simply swap the all purpose flour for a quality gluten free flour blend. Look for one that measures one for one.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely. To make a chocolate chip version, reduce the nuts in the batter to ½ cup. Then add ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
Why Is My Banana Bread Dry?
Dry bread often comes from overmeasuring flour or overbaking. Spoon your flour into the cup rather than scooping. Also, check the bread a few minutes early.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work great for this Easy Banana Bread Recipe. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Easy Banana Bread with Caramelized Nut Topping
Transform ripe bananas into a sweet, super moist banana bread with a crunchy caramelized nut topping. This easy homemade recipe is a comforting treat for any time, turning overripe fruit into a delightful breakfast or snack.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly and line with a strip of parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these together lightly to distribute evenly. Set aside.
- Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer to cream the room temperature butter and brown sugar together for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for about 20 seconds after each. Next, pour in the vanilla extract, plain yogurt, and your mashed bananas. Mix everything until fully incorporated.
- Pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Stop when no more flour pockets are visible. Gently fold in the cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. Transfer this batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- For the caramelized nut topping, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup and whisk well. Add the chopped walnuts to the pan. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Spoon this topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check the bread after 30 minutes; if the top is getting too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, lift the bread out using the parchment paper overhang and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing.
Notes
To store leftovers, wait until the loaf is completely cool to prevent sogginess. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze individual slices in foil and a freezer bag for longer storage.
For amazing results, use very ripe bananas (with brown or blackened skins) as they are sweeter and mash easily. Mash them thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, butter) for a smoother batter that blends well.
Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added, as this can lead to a tough bread. Mix gently until just combined.
Always test for doneness with a toothpick. Every oven varies, and the toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Customize by swapping walnuts for pecans or adding ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips (reducing nuts in batter to ½ cup).
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
