World's Best Banana Bread (Printable Version)
Golden loaf featuring ripe bananas, butter, cinnamon, and walnuts for a flavorful treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Banana Bread Base
01 -
3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
02 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 -
1 cup granulated sugar
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 -
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 -
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
03 -
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated and slightly lighter in color.
04 -
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
05 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
06 -
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture using a gentle motion. Mix until just combined with no visible flour streaks.
07 -
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the batter.
08 -
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, evenly spreading it. Tap the pan gently on the countertop once or twice to release large air bubbles.
09 -
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs remaining.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Use overripe bananas with brown speckles for optimal sweetness and flavor. Toast nuts before adding to enhance their aroma.