Banana bread has a comforting, homey feel that many people associate with childhood memories or warm, cozy afternoons. It’s a combination of sweet, ripe bananas with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delicious and comforting flavor that many people find irresistible. Banana bread can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory dish, it can be paired with peanut butter, honey, cream cheese or butter, it can be topped with chocolate chips, nuts or other ingredients.
Banana bread is relatively easy to make, even for those with little baking experience. It can be made in a loaf pan, muffin tin, or mini-loaf pan. Banana bread is a great way to use up overripe bananas that may no longer be good to eat fresh. Here’s a recipe for a delicious and classic banana bread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends:
Quick & Easy No-Fail Banana Bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (ripe bananas are naturally high in moisture, keeping the bread moist/tender.)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake the banana bread in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the banana bread warm or at room temperature, topped with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
This banana bread is moist, flavorful and delicious. The mashed bananas and the buttermilk make it so moist and the cinnamon gives it a warm and inviting aroma. Banana bread is a great option for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. It can be made in advance and stored for several days or frozen for later.