**Classic Banana Bread Recipe**
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50–60 minutes
**Total Time:** ~1 hour 10 minutes
**Servings:** 8–10 slices
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**Ingredients:**
🔹 **Wet Ingredients:**
– 3 **ripe bananas** (the riper, the better – brown spots are perfect!)
– 1/2 cup (115g) **unsalted butter**, melted (or use vegetable oil for a softer texture)
– 3/4 cup (150g) **granulated sugar** (or brown sugar for extra moisture and flavor)
– 1 large **egg**, beaten
– 1 teaspoon **vanilla extract**
🔹 **Dry Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) **all-purpose flour**
– 1 teaspoon **baking soda**
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**
🔹 **Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor & texture):**
– 1/2 teaspoon **cinnamon** (for warmth)
– 1/2 cup **chocolate chips** (for a sweet touch)
– 1/2 cup **chopped walnuts or pecans** (for crunch)
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**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Grease a **9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan** with butter or line it with parchment paper.
**Step 2: Mash the Bananas**
– In a large mixing bowl, **mash the bananas** with a fork or potato masher until smooth. A few small lumps are fine – they add texture!
**Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients**
– Stir in the **melted butter** and mix well.
– Add the **sugar**, **beaten egg**, and **vanilla extract**. Mix until well combined.
**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour, baking soda, and salt** (plus cinnamon if using).
– Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. **Stir gently** until just combined – don’t overmix!
**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients**
– If you’re adding **chocolate chips or nuts**, fold them in now with a spatula.
**Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread**
– Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
– Bake for **50–60 minutes**, or until a **toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean**. If it’s browning too fast, cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
**Step 7: Cool & Serve**
– Let the bread cool in the pan for **10 minutes**, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
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**Tips for the Best Banana Bread:**
✅ **Use very ripe bananas** – the more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful!
✅ **Don’t overmix** – too much mixing makes the bread dense. Stir until just combined.
✅ **For extra moisture**, swap **butter for oil**, or add **2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt**.
✅ **Want a healthier version?** Replace half the flour with **whole wheat flour**, and swap sugar with honey or maple syrup.
✅ **Store leftovers properly:** Wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to **4 days** at room temp. You can also **freeze slices** for up to **3 months**!
