Banana Bread with 2 Ripe Bananas

Key Info:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50-65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 10-12 slices

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary: Vegetarian, Adaptable

Equipment Needed:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients:

• 2 very ripe bananas (mashed, ~1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• Cinnamon sugar topping

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mash bananas completely until smooth and no large chunks remain.
3. In separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.
7. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Do not overmix.
8. Optional: Fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
9. Pour batter into prepared pan.
10. Bake 50-65 minutes. Check at 50 minutes with toothpick test.
11. Cool in pan 10-15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Crucial Tips:

• Use very ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness
• Don’t overmix batter – leads to tough bread
• Tent with foil if top browns too quickly
• Let cool completely before slicing

Storage:

• Room temperature: 3-4 days
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil

Variations:

• Dairy-free: Use vegetable oil
• Gluten-free: Use GF flour blend
• Vegan: Use flax eggs
• Add nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut

Pro Tips:

• Room temperature ingredients mix better
• Parchment paper ensures easy removal
• Slice when completely cool for cleanest cuts

Nutrition (per slice):

• Approximately 250 calories
• Good source of potassium
• Moderate fiber content

Enjoy your perfectly moist, delicious banana bread!