Grandmas Foolproof Banana Bread

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of baking, do you? Ever had those sad, spotty bananas staring back at you from the fruit bowl? Well, grab them.

Today we are making easy banana bread recipe , the kind that feels like a warm hug from your grandma.

Quick Hook

This isn't just any banana bread. This Simple Moist Banana Bread Recipe is a classic. It's the kind of bake that gets you out of bed on a cold morning.

This recipe is really easy to follow.

Brief Overview

Banana bread is thought to have originated in the USA during the Great Depression. People needed to find creative ways to use overripe fruit.

It's a simple bake, taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This recipe makes about 8-10 slices. It's perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

Bananas are packed with potassium! This Best Easy Banana Bread is surprisingly good for you! Serve it up for brunch, afternoon tea, or even a cheeky dessert.

It is special because it's so easy to make.

Honestly, this is more than just a recipe. It’s like a little bit of baking therapy. My mum used to make this when I was feeling down.

It always cheered me up. And now, it will cheer you up too!

Let's get into what you'll need. Grab your mixing bowls and let's get baking!

Ingredients & Equipment for Grandma's Foolproof Banana Bread

So, you're ready to bake the best easy banana bread ever? Great! Let's get the bits and bobs sorted. This simple moist banana bread recipe uses stuff you probably already have.

Main Ingredients

Okay, listen up. Here's what you need for this quick moist banana bread recipe :

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (192g) . Regular plain flour works a treat.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon . This is the raising agent, don't skip it!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) , softened. It needs to be soft to cream properly.
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) . Caster sugar is also fine.
• Large eggs: 2 , lightly beaten. Give 'em a quick whisk beforehand.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Adds a lovely warmth.
• Very ripe bananas: 3 , mashed (about 1 1/2 cups ). The riper the better! Black bananas are PERFECT. They make the bread super moist.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60g) . Only if you're feeling fancy. My nan never used nuts!

For the bananas, you want them almost too ripe to eat on their own. Honestly, the browner, the better. They're sweeter and mash easier.

Seasoning Notes

Now, for the flavour boosters.

• Essential spice: Vanilla extract is non-negotiable.
• Flavor enhancers: You could add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a bit of warmth. Or try 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg if you like.
• Quick substitution: No vanilla extract? A dash of rum or brandy works in a pinch!

Equipment Needed

Right, let's talk kit. You don't need a load of fancy stuff for this one bowl banana bread recipe .

• 9x5 inch loaf pan. A standard bread tin.
• Mixing bowls. One big, one medium.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise!
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful). It speeds things up, but a good old wooden spoon works too.
• Rubber spatula. For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Toothpick or skewer. To check if it's cooked through.

Don't have a loaf pan? A cake tin will do in a pinch, but it'll affect the baking time. Keep an eye on it!

Cooking Method

Grandma's Foolproof Banana Bread (Seriously Easy!)

Honestly, who doesn't love a slice of warm banana bread? It's like a hug in a loaf. And this easy banana bread recipe? Oh my gosh, it's so simple.

I even got my mate Dave, who can barely boil an egg, to bake it! Seriously, this might be the best easy banana bread ever! Let's get baking!

Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, Bake!

Essential mise en place is key, yeah? Get all your ingredients measured out. Soften that butter. Mash those bananas. It makes the whole process smooth as silk.

Want some time saving tips? I always peel and freeze ripe bananas. Then, I just thaw them when the baking mood strikes.

Also, measure out your dry ingredients beforehand. It's like having your own personal cooking assistant.

A little note on safety: Don't be a muppet! Use oven gloves when handling hot pans.

step-by-step to Banana Bread Bliss

1. Preheat: Crank up that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Then, grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan. We don't want any sticky situations, do we?
2. Dry Mix: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Get rid of any lumps.
3. Creamy Time: In a larger bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar together. Beat them until they're light and fluffy. A good electric mixer makes this a breeze.
4. Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Mash Attack: In a separate bowl, mash those 3 bananas until smoothish. A few lumps are okay it adds character! We need about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.
6. Combine Forces: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the mashed bananas. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix, or you'll end up with tough bread.
7. Nutty Business (Optional): Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, if you fancy them. It makes it a moist banana bread recipe with nuts .
8. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf!

Want a secret? Use really ripe bananas. The blacker, the better! I swear it transforms this simple moist banana bread recipe . They're sweeter and easier to mash.

Avoid the dreaded overmix! It's the enemy of fluffy banana bread. Mix until just combined. You know?

Baking time is crucial. Start checking at 50 minutes. Every oven is different. Remember that!.

So there you have it, a piece of cake, or rather, a loaf of bread. Enjoy! This banana bread and chocolate chip recipe can easily be done using this easy banana bread recipe for beginners

Recipe Notes: Grandma's Wisdom and Kitchen Hacks

Right then, so you're about to bake the best easy banana bread this side of the Atlantic? Brilliant! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll make your bake even better.

This simple moist banana bread recipe isn't just about following instructions; it's about understanding the why behind them. Honestly, even a monkey can follow instructions but a genius would understand the reasoning.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Okay, so you've got your gorgeous easy banana loaf recipe fresh out of the oven. Now what? Plating isn't just for fancy restaurants, you know?

For a simple but elegant presentation, dust a slice with icing sugar. Serve it warm with a dollop of clotted cream, if you're feeling fancy.

A cup of builder's tea on the side is a must, naturally. If it is christmas time, some mulled wine will make wonders.

Complementary sides? How about a simple fruit salad or some Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey? As for drinks, it goes beautifully with a latte or a glass of chilled milk.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Right, so you've somehow managed not to eat the entire loaf in one sitting? Fair play! Here's how to keep your quick moist banana bread tasting its best.

Refrigeration: Wrap it tightly in cling film or foil and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!.

Freezing: You can freeze slices individually wrapped in cling film. Then, pop them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Just defrost them at room temperature.

Reheating: A quick zap in the microwave (about 20-30 seconds ) or a toast will do the trick.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a twist on this banana bread and chocolate chip recipe ? You can easy add one cup of chocolate chips.

Dietary Adaptations: Want a gluten-free one bowl banana bread recipe ? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy! For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for coconut oil and use almond milk.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. In summer, a handful of blueberries is a nice touch. This moist banana bread recipe with nuts is also divine.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Something to Feel Good About

Look, it's banana bread. It's not exactly a kale smoothie, but it's not terrible either. With this banana bread with three bananas , you get a decent hit of potassium and fibre from the bananas.

Plus, a bit of a mood boost from the sugar.

Each slice contains roughly 250 calories, 4g of protein, 12g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates and 18g of sugar. All numbers are approximate!. Just remember, everything in moderation, eh?

Honestly, this easy banana bread recipe for beginners is foolproof. Give it a go, have fun, and don't worry if it's not perfect first time.

Baking is all about learning, and every loaf is a step in the right direction. Happy baking!