Banana Bread

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure that the banana bread does not stick to the pan.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the easier they are to mash and the sweeter and more intense the banana flavor will be.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine. Then, mix in the beaten egg and vanilla extract, ensuring that all the wet ingredients are well blended.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. This helps to aerate the flour and distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread.
  6. Add Extras: If you’re using chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter. These optional ingredients add texture and flavor to the banana bread.
  7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. This will help ensure an even rise and a nice, rounded top on your banana bread.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your loaf pan, so it’s important to keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.
  9. Cool: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it allows the bread to set and makes it easier to slice.
  10. Serve: Once cooled, slice the banana bread and serve. It can be enjoyed plain, with a spread of butter, or even toasted for a warm, comforting treat.