Best Banana Bread Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
Best Banana Bread Recipe
Description
The Best Banana Bread Recipe combines flour and oats with brown, ripe bananas to create a tender, moist crumb. Cinnamon imparts a warm note that pairs well with bananas' sweetness. Eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla make the batter smooth and rich. Incorporating baking powder and baking soda ensures a rise with a soft yet structured texture. Minimal mixing prevents toughness by avoiding gluten over-development.
This bread is baked in a parchment-lined loaf pan, yielding a firm crust and moist interior. It pairs well with tea or coffee and can be enjoyed plain or with spreads. The bread stores well at room temperature and freezes effectively for later use, making it practical for make-ahead baking.
The instructions emphasize using fully ripe bananas for strong flavor and easy mashing. Mixing dry ingredients separately before combining with the wet prevents uneven distribution of leavening and spices. Avoiding over-mixing helps maintain a soft crumb. Covering the warm bread with foil after baking keeps it moist. Opening the oven door early is discouraged to prevent collapse.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour 7 ½ oz / 213 g
- ¾ cup quick cooking oats 2¼ oz / 64 g
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar 5 oz/142 g
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) banana 3 small bananas, mashed
- 2 egg large, room temperature
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Notes
- Always use ripe or overripe bananas to maximize sweetness and ease of mashing.
- Mash bananas alone before mixing in other wet ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Mix dry ingredients separately to evenly distribute spices and raising agents.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid developing tough gluten; some lumps are fine.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to help remove the heavy bread easily after baking.
- Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the bread from collapsing.