Sweet Banana Loaf (Printable)

Enjoy a perfectly sweet and moist banana creation.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 ripe bananas, mashed
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins

11 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
12 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
03 - In large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until just combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Gently fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands on time
  • Uses up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste
  • Customizable with mix ins like chocolate chips or nuts
  • Stays moist for days
02 -
  • Extremely versatile recipe that welcomes additions like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes
  • Makes excellent muffins with adjusted baking time of about 20 minutes
  • Contains no preservatives unlike store bought versions
  • Can be made dairy free by substituting coconut oil for butter
03 -
  • Let bananas ripen until they have many black spots or are completely black for maximum sweetness and banana flavor
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly and create a better texture
  • The toothpick test is crucial for perfect doneness avoid overbaking which can dry out your bread
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack for complete cooling