Classic Banana Bread – An Italian in my Kitchen

Must Try


Classic Banana Bread, this is the perfect Banana recipes for all of those over ripe bananas. It makes the perfect snack or dessert bread. Not too sweet perfect anytime!

 

Classic Banana Bread, one of the Italian’s favourites, just how he likes it, no crumb topping, no frosting, nothing fancy!

Lately I have been making desserts more to my liking, Toffee Caramel Cheesecake, then to his. So he asked me if I remembered that delicious banana bread I used to make? “Remember, just bananas, no fancy frosting or glaze! and look we even have some in the fruit bowl”? So I really had no excuse.

I have a husband who in the morning has a big mug of caffè latte and he dunks anything and pretty well everything in it. Believe me it took me ages to get used to that. Whenever I make Sweet Loaf Breads or Muffins and I hear splash, my next question is “Did you actually taste that”? And believe it or not he does, he even knows if it was too dry or too moist. Or so he says.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • Flour – all purpose flour
  • Sugar – brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon – ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Eggs – two eggs room temperature
  • Butter
  • Bananas – two very ripe bananas
Ingredients for the recipe.Ingredients for the recipe.

Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?

While you can substitute white sugar, brown sugar is recommended as it adds moisture and a richer flavor due to its molasses content.

How to make Banana Bread

In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

The dry ingredients whisked in a glass bowl.The dry ingredients whisked in a glass bowl.

In a medium bowl beat eggs and melted butter.

The wet ingredients mixed in a white bowl.The wet ingredients mixed in a white bowl.

Combine with the dry ingredients and beat until combined, then add the mashed bananas and beat until just combined. Don’t over beat.

The wet and dry and banana mixed in a silver bowl.The wet and dry and banana mixed in a silver bowl.

Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and bake. Let cool before serving.

The loaf before and after baking.The loaf before and after baking.

Why use ripe bananas?

You are going to want to use fully ripe bananas or even over ripe bananas. I usually use bananas that are starting to turn black. Very ripe bananas are easier to mash, which means that they will incorporate easier into the recipe, they are also sweeter and they have more flavour.

Yes you can, the best additions are chopped dried fruit, such as prunes or apricots, dried berries, raisins or even some chocolate chips. You could add nuts like walnuts or pecans.

More Banana Recipes

Two slices of banana bread with butter on one slice.Two slices of banana bread with butter on one slice.

This classic Banana Bread recipe is perfect on its own or if you are like me, a little butter doesn’t hurt. I have actually heard whispered behind my back “would you like some banana bread with that butter”? Enjoy!

  • cups all purpose flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • cup butter (melted & cooled)
  • 2 bananas mashed (very ripe or over ripe)

If you use unsalted butter then add 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

  • Pre-heat oven 350F/180C. Grease and flour or spray a 9 inch loaf pan.

  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

  • In a medium bowl beat the eggs and melted cooled butter. Add to the dry ingredients and beat just until combined, add the mashed bananas and beat until just combined, don’t over beat.

  • Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes clean. Let cool and serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • If you prefer you can use oil (such as vegetable, coconut or light olive oil) instead of butter.
  • For room temperature ingredients, remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.

How to store it

The baked bread should be stored in an airtight bag or container, so it doesn’t dry out. Be sure to wrap it well. It will keep for four days at room temperature or you can store it in the fridge for a week.

How to freeze Banana Bread

The baked and completely cooled loaf should be wrapped well in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer safe bag or container. The bread will last up to four months in the freezer. Or you can freeze individual wrapped slices,  stored separately or in a large freezer bag, and just remove a slice whenever you are craving banana bread.

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

Updated from April 15, 2020.


LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Recipes

More Recipes Like This