Quick Banana Bread Recipe: A Fun Twist on a Classic Treat

Banana bread from Joy of Cooking elevates those languishing, browning fruits into a soul-warming culinary masterpiece that beckons with irresistible charm.

Barely containing its sweet promise, this quick bread whispers of cozy kitchens and cherished family recipes.

Golden-brown edges hint at the luscious interior waiting to surprise your taste buds.

Fragrant spices weave through the batter, creating an aromatic symphony that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary comfort.

Bakers love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, turning simple pantry staples into a decadent treat.

Each slice carries the warmth of tradition, blending soft crumb with subtle textural nuances that dance on your palate.

Check out this timeless recipe and let nostalgia and deliciousness collide on your plate!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Banana Bread Baking Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Opt for pure cane sugar for cleaner sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Choose aluminum-free for a more natural taste.
• Baking Soda: Fresh baking soda ensures proper rising.
• Salt: Sea salt adds subtle mineral complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Use freshly ground for intense aromatic warmth.

• Eggs: Select large, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control overall saltiness.
• Ripe Bananas: Choose deeply speckled, soft bananas for maximum sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla provides deeper, more complex flavor profile.

• Walnuts, Pecans: Toast nuts to enhance nutty depth and eliminate raw flavor.

Tools for Classic Banana Bread

• Oven: Used for preheating and baking the banana bread.
• 9x5x3-inch loaf pan: Perfect for shaping and baking the bread.
• Baking sheet: Helps toast nuts evenly.
• Mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Blends dry ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber spatula: Folds ingredients gently without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Toothpick: Checks bread doneness by testing center.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool completely after baking.
• Butter knife or offset spatula: Helps remove bread from pan.

Banana Bread Instructions and Timing

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F and give your loaf pan a quick butter massage, then dust with a light flour sprinkle to keep things from sticking.

• Nutty Prep

Scatter your favorite nuts on a baking sheet and toast them until they’re dancing with golden warmth and releasing a rich, inviting aroma. Let them cool down while keeping the oven ready.

• Blend Dry Magic

Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking heroes (powder and soda), a pinch of salt, and a whisper of cinnamon in a big mixing bowl until everything looks friendly and well-acquainted.

• Banana Drama

Mash those ripe bananas into submission, crack in some eggs, drizzle melted butter, and splash vanilla extract. Blend this liquid gold until smooth and dreamy.

• Create Your Masterpiece

Gently marry your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold with love, stopping right when flour disappears – no aggressive mixing allowed! Sprinkle in those toasted nuts for extra personality.

• Baking Transformation

Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the waiting oven. Bake for about an hour, checking with a trusty toothpick to ensure perfect doneness.

• Cool and Slice

Let your bread rest in the pan for a short breather, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice when completely cool and enjoy your homemade treasure.

Ripeness and Flavor Tips for Banana Bread

• Elevate Nutty Flavor: Toast nuts before adding to the batter for a deeper, richer taste that transforms ordinary banana bread into an extraordinary treat.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut flakes to create your signature banana bread variation that reflects personal taste preferences.
• Perfect Moisture Balance: Ensure ripe bananas are very soft and dark-spotted, which guarantees maximum sweetness and creates an incredibly moist bread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Storage Secrets: Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for extended enjoyment up to 3 months.

Serving Banana Bread at Any Occasion

• Serve with Morning Brew: Pair a warm slice with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Create Decadent Dessert Plate: Top the banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
• Pack for Picnic Adventures: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a portable snack during outdoor activities or road trips.
• Elevate Brunch Spread: Add the banana bread to a brunch platter alongside fresh fruits, yogurt, and other pastries for a stunning presentation.

Best Storage Tips for Banana Bread

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days. The bread maintains its moist texture and delicious flavor during this period.
• Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, banana bread stays fresh for up to a week. Wrap each slice individually to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal taste.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice the bread before freezing for convenient portioning. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread remains delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave before serving.
• Revive Leftover Slices: Refresh slightly stale bread by warming in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. A quick toast brings back the bread's soft texture and enhances its comforting aroma, making each slice taste freshly baked.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic banana bread celebrates comfort and nostalgia with ripe bananas, warm spices, and a moist crumb. Home bakers can easily master this timeless treat that brings memories of grandma’s kitchen and weekend morning pleasures.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (118 ml/4 fl oz) melted unsalted butter, cooled
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g/7.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (150 g/5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with butter, then dust with flour to prevent adhesion.
2. Nut Toasting: Spread chopped walnuts or pecans on a baking sheet, roast for 7-10 minutes until aromatic, then cool completely while maintaining oven temperature.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until perfectly integrated.
4. Wet Ingredient Amalgamation: Thoroughly mash ripe bananas, blend with eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until harmoniously combined.
5. Batter Creation: Gently fold dry ingredients into banana mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing until flour streaks vanish, ensuring a delicate bread texture.
6. Nut Integration: Incorporate cooled, toasted nuts evenly throughout the batter, creating a rustic, chunky consistency.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking, and place in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes.
8. Doneness Check: Verify bread is fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
9. Cooling and Serving: Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, letting it cool completely before slicing to preserve moisture and structure.

Notes

• Select Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor, ensuring a moist and rich bread.
• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix batter minimally when combining dry and wet ingredients to avoid developing gluten, which can result in a dense, chewy bread.
• Customize Nut Toasting: Toast nuts carefully to enhance their flavor and prevent burning; watch closely and stir occasionally for even golden-brown coloration.
• Check Moisture Levels: A few moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfect doneness, preventing overbaking and maintaining the bread’s soft, tender interior.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg