If you’ve got some ripe bananas lying around and you're not sure what to do with them, banana bread is a great option. It’s super easy to make and perfect for using up those overripe bananas.

Plus, the smell of it baking will make your whole kitchen smell amazing. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that turns simple ingredients into a delicious treat!

The Best Banana Bread Recipe and How to Bake It

Video by Cooking Con Claudia

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Production Steps:

1.Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.Prepare the Bananas:

Peel the bananas and place them in a medium bowl. Mash them with a fork until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas.

3.Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

4.Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5.Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

6.Incorporate Bananas:

Gently fold the mashed bananas into the butter mixture until combined.

7.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

8.Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips:

If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

9.Pour and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

10.Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11.Cool:

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lykkers,we’d love to hear what you think about this banana bread recipe! Have you tried making it or put your own twist on it? Share your thoughts and any variations you’ve come up with. Drop us a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!