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Introduction
The ultimate banana bread recipe! This recipe is a game-changer: it’s delightfully light, irresistibly moist, and packed with the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas. The secret? A perfect balance of mashed bananas, a touch of cornstarch for a tender crumb, and a blend of butter and vegetable oil for richness without heaviness. Oh, and let’s not forget the warm hint of cinnamon. This recipe calls for quite a list of ingredients, each crucial in ensuring perfect results. No more throwing away those overripe bananas on your counter. Instead, make yourself a warm, homey treat that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas – 4 (make sure they’re soft and speckled for maximum sweetness)
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – 3 tbsp (for that soft, bakery-style texture)
- Baking powder – 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda – 1 tsp (together with baking powder, these two will make the banana bread light, soft, and airy).
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Cinnamon – 2 tsp
- Brown sugar – 3/4 cup
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (softened or melted for easy mixing)
- Vegetable oil – 1/3 cup (adds moisture)
- Eggs – 2 (at room temperature for better blending)
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Walnuts for topping – 1/2 cup
Steps
- Mash the bananas
- Use a fork or potato masher to create a smooth mash, but leave a few small chunks if you like a bit of texture.
- Mix the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Prepare the wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the brown sugar, softened/melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
- Combine the bananas and wet mixture
- Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light. For an extra smooth batter, use a mixer for just a few seconds at the end to break down any lumps.
- Prepare the pan
- Grease and lightly dust a loaf pan with flour. Pour the batter in and spread it evenly.
- Optional topping
- For an extra crunch and flavor, top with halved walnuts. Other topping options are chocolate chips or a sprinkle of coarse sugar.
- Bake
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Bake the loaf for 60–80 minutes, or until a butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool
- Let the bread rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
- Eat your yummy banana bread warm with a pat of butter or cool with a cup of coffee or tea. This banana bread is sure to become a favorite.
My Amazon Affiliate Links
- Bread/Loaf pan (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/4e3OH3x
- Cooling rack (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3NETs8a
- KitchenAid Measuring cups (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3MmlepD
- Mixing bowls set (plastic) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3YA1O7U
- Mixing bowls (glass) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3WFSFb9
- Stainless whisk (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3M1sdUz
- Kitchen towels (flowery patterns) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3AlgEVK
- Kitchen towels (plain colors) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3M2Dfcg
How to Preserve and Enjoy Leftover Banana Bread
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.
- Refrigeration: To extend its shelf life, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each slice in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: For a quick warm-up, microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds.
- Oven: Wrap slices in foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes for that freshly-baked feel.
- Toaster: Toast lightly for a crispy edge and warm center.
How to Enjoy Leftovers
- Spread with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter.
- Top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Make it indulgent: warm it up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
My Amazon Affiliate Links
- Bread/Loaf pan (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/4e3OH3x
- Cooling rack (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3NETs8a
- KitchenAid Measuring cups (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3MmlepD
- Mixing bowls set (plastic) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3YA1O7U
- Mixing bowls (glass) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3WFSFb9
- Stainless whisk (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3M1sdUz
- Kitchen towels (flowery patterns) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3AlgEVK
- Kitchen towels (plain colors) (CommissionsEarned): https://amzn.to/3M2Dfcg
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll have a loaf that’s irresistibly moist, perfectly light, and full of flavor every single time. You can choose to stick to this classic version or jazz it up with fun variations. Either way, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, share it with loved ones, or save a slice (or two!) for a rainy day. It’s always the perfect treat. Happy baking!
To see more of my recipes, or learn more about my blog, please visit my blog’s Homepage, Recipe Index, or the Breakfast category for recipes that are closely similar to this one. Also, check out my YouTube Channel for all video versions of my blog recipes.
