Best Banana Bread 

This banana bread is a comforting classic that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked goodness. With a moist and tender crumb, it's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas is enhanced by a hint of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, making each slice a delightful treat. Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)

• 1/4 cup milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

4. Add Sugar and Eggs: Mix in 3/4 cup sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in 1¾ cups all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.

6. Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans and/or 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 20g

• Sodium: 150mg