Ultimate Banana Bread
A delightful and comforting banana bread that is tender, moist, and full of rich banana flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 4 large bananas) The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be.
- ½ cup granulated cane sugar or packed brown sugar Adds sweetness and depth to the bread.
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter or neutral vegetable oil Ensures a rich, buttery flavor, keeping the bread moist.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature Binds the mixture together.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the bread.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour Creates the structure of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Essential for leavening.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and a cozy scent.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Complements the bananas beautifully.
- ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons reserved walnuts for topping For garnish and added crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the bananas, whisking until thoroughly combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, or as a delightful snack or dessert. Customize with additional spices or chocolate chips if desired.