Moist Banana Bread Options (Printable Version)

A moist banana bread with chocolate chip or nut options, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Fruit

08 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)

→ Optional Add-Ins

09 - 3/4 cup chocolate chips
10 - 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix well.
05 - Stir in the mashed bananas until fully combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.
07 - Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
08 - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
09 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 - Allow loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool before slicing.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's forgiving enough that even if you slightly overbake it, you'll still have something delicious and comforting.
  • The texture stays tender and moist for days, which means you can make it ahead without stress.
  • You get to choose your adventure with chocolate chips or nuts, or go rogue and do both.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter once the flour goes in is the quickest way to dense, tough bread—you want a few lumps to remain.
  • Those three bananas need to be genuinely ripe with brown spots; green bananas will make the bread taste starchy and boring.
  • If you open the oven door before 50 minutes, the sudden temperature drop can make it sink in the middle, so resist the urge to peek.
03 -
  • Freeze overripe bananas in their peels so you always have them ready for baking; thaw and mash them when inspiration strikes.
  • Make this bread in the morning for a slow oven day so the smell fills your house by lunchtime and everyone wonders what you're up to.
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