Banana bread is a timeless classic, and this Rich Banana Bread recipe brings an extra indulgent twist with its buttery flavor and moist texture. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas and creates a deliciously rich, tender loaf that will be a hit with everyone. This simple recipe is easy to follow and yields an incredibly soft and flavorful banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.

Introduction

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. This version of banana bread stands out for its rich, buttery flavor and ultra-moist crumb. It’s an ideal way to transform overripe bananas into something irresistible. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf that’s full of banana flavor, lightly sweet, and perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this foolproof banana bread recipe is easy to make and will quickly become your go-to for when you need a comforting, homemade treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra moisture and richness)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with small lumps remaining. The bananas should be soft and easy to mash.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine.
2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

1. If using, fold in the sour cream for an extra moist and rich loaf. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want an even softer texture.
2. If desired, stir in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Pour the Batter

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or walnuts on top for decoration.

Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Cooking Note:

• Make sure to use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• If you prefer a less sweet banana bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup.

Serving Suggestions:

This rich banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. It’s also great toasted for breakfast with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For dessert, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips:

• Banana Tip: If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can place them in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. This will bring out the natural sweetness and soften the bananas.
• Storage: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Add-ins: For a more indulgent treat, add both chocolate chips and nuts. You can also swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 55-65 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg

Rich Banana Bread Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra moisture and richness)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with small lumps remaining. The bananas should be soft and easy to mash.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine.
2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

1. If using, fold in the sour cream for an extra moist and rich loaf. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want an even softer texture.
2. If desired, stir in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Pour the Batter

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or walnuts on top for decoration.

Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 230
• Sodium: 150mg
• Protein: 3g