Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Bread recipe is perfect for any occasion, made with simple natural ingredients. It delivers a soft texture, balanced sweetness, and warm aroma, making it a comforting and versatile treat you can easily customize and bake at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup natural brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice (optional)
- 1/4 cup plant-based yogurt (optional, can replace part of plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit such as raisins or chopped dates (optional, for nut-free version)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky for texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the natural brown sugar, vegetable oil or melted plant-based butter, vanilla extract (natural), and plant-based milk. Stir thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly for a good rise.
- Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender. Fold in any optional nuts, chocolate chips, spices, or dried fruits now if desired.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use extra ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
- An oven thermometer can help ensure the correct baking temperature.
- Add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips at the end to preserve texture.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing for neat pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, plant-based banana bread, gluten-free banana bread, easy banana bread
