The Easiest Banana Bread Recipe--[Customizable Base Recipe!]
This is one of the easiest and BEST recipes for banana bread that I've ever come across. It's a great recipe for beginning bakers and kids as it's nearly fool-proof. You can customize the recipe by adding a handful or two of any chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts--even a few big dollops of peanut butter swirled into the batter works wonderfully.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, smashed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (4 tbsp. or about 60 grams)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp raw sugar crystals, optional for sprinkling on top of batter before baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prep a loaf pan (or muffin tin) by spraying with non-stick spray, buttering or using parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and smashed bananas. Using a wooden spoon or whisk, mix well until there are minimal lumps--it should be fairly smooth. Add the egg and stir to combine. (some small lumps are okay). sugar, flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- Add the sugar to the bowl. Mix well before adding the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir until everything is combined, being sure not to over mix your batter, then tip in any add-ins you are using (chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, ect...) and stir gently until they are evenly incorporated.
- Pour your batter into the prepared/greased loaf pan (or muffin tins). Top the batter with some raw sugar crystals, if using.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean, without batter on it.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let cool a couple minutes before cafefully removing from the pan. Let the bread cool on a rack for about a half hour or so before cutting into it. If you are impatient and can't wait--that's okay, too! Your bread may be a bit soft though and is more likely to fall apart.
Notes
- **I usually sprinkle the top with raw sugar crystals before baking. It makes the crust have a pretty shine and a bit of a crunch, similar to what you'd find at a bakery.