Banana bread is one of those classic cakes that is always delicious and enjoys unflagging popularity. Whether for breakfast, afternoon tea or dessert - this moist, fluffy cake with a touch of sweet bananas will appeal to everyone. What's more, it's a great way to use overripe fruit that would otherwise end up in the trash. Preparing banana bread is a real pleasure - just a few simple steps are enough, and the effect will satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. Put on an apron , bake and enjoy homemade, aromatic banana bread !
Why is it worth trying the banana bread recipe?
Banana bread is a real classic among home baked goods. Here are some reasons why you should try it:
Simple and quick to prepare
Preparing banana bread is a really simple task. You only need a few ingredients and the whole process will take you no more than 15-20 minutes. There is no need to use a mixer or other advanced tools - just a bowl, a spoon and an oven.
Uses overripe bananas
Banana bread is a great way to use up overripe, brown bananas that might otherwise end up in the trash. Thanks to this, you do not waste food and your baked goods gain a unique, intense taste.
Moist and fluffy cake
Thanks to the large amount of bananas, banana bread is extremely moist and 
fluffy. It does not dry quickly and its texture remains perfect even after several days.
Versatility of Applications
Banana bread is a universal cake that is perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack and dessert. You can eat it sweet, spread with peanut butter or jam, or serve it with ice cream or your favorite sauce.
Ingredients needed to prepare banana bread
Here is a list of the necessary ingredients to prepare delicious banana bread :
- 4 large, very ripe bananas (approx. 350 g of pulp)
- 240 g of all-purpose wheat flour
- 130 g of fine sugar
- 70 g melted butter (or the same amount of vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Optionally, you can also add:
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts or other favorite dried fruit
- 1 cup of coconut flakes
Step by step: How to prepare banana bread
Here is a detailed step-by-step recipe for homemade banana bread :
- Preheat the oven and prepare the form : Preheat the oven to 170°C. Prepare a baking tin - preferably a cake tin with dimensions of 9x25 cm and a height of 7 cm. Season it lightly with butter or oil and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Blend the bananas: Peel and mash 4 very ripe bananas until smooth. If you don't have a mixer, you can do it with a fork. You should get about 1.5 cups (350 g) of banana pulp.
- Melt the butter: Melt 70 g of butter in the microwave or in a frying pan. Wait a while until it cools down slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and mashed bananas. Add one large egg and mix thoroughly until
a uniform mass will be created. - Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Enrich the dough (optional): If you want, you can now mix 1 cup of chopped walnuts or other favorite dried fruit, as well as 1 cup of shredded coconut, into the dough.
- Pour into the tin and bake: Gently transfer the dough into the previously prepared tin. If you have an extra banana, you can cut it lengthwise and place it on top of the cake. Place in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.
- Cooling and serving: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes. Then remove it from the mold and leave it to cool completely on a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally sprinkled with powdered sugar or topped with chocolate icing.
Tips and advice
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the perfect banana bread :
- Use overripe bananas: The riper your bananas are, the more intense and sweeter the flavor of the bread will be. Look for ones that have brown, almost black skins.
- Replace butter with oil: If you prefer a lighter and less fatty version of the cake, you can replace the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil.
- Garnish with a banana: If you have an extra banana, you can cut it lengthwise and place it on top of the cake before baking. This will give the bread a nice look.
- Add your favorite dried fruit: Banana bread goes great with nuts, dried fruit or coconut flakes. Add these ingredients if you like such additions.
- Control the baking time: Baking time may vary depending on your oven. It is best to check whether the cake is baked every 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into it.
How to store banana bread ?
Banana bread stores very well. Once cool, wrap it loosely in parchment paper and then place it in a clear plastic bag or ziplock bag. Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or a plastic bag and place it in the freezer. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
How to diversify banana bread ?
Banana bread is a great base for many interesting culinary experiments. Here are some ideas to diversify this classic baking:
Banana and pumpkin bread
Replace some of the bananas with baked Hokkaido pumpkin puree. This will give the cake an autumn note and a beautiful orange color.
Bread with chocolate
Mix pieces of dark chocolate into the dough or pour chocolate icing over the baked bread.
Bread with nuts and dried fruit
Add chopped hazelnuts, almonds or dried plums to the mixture. They will give the cake an interesting character.
Banana-cinnamon bread
In addition to the bananas, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough. This will give the baking an aromatic, autumn flavor.
Summary
Banana bread is a real classic among home baked goods, which is always delicious and enjoys unflagging popularity. Preparing this moist, fluffy cake is a real pleasure - just a few simple steps are enough, and the effect will satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. Banana bread is a great way to use overripe fruit, as well as a universal dessert that is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack or a party. Put on an apron , bake and enjoy homemade, aromatic banana bread !